Before quitting pain killers, I can’t tell you how many times I would say to my self “You know, something’s gotta give.” I suppose that’s just another way of praying for “bottom” to arrive so that it would forcibly pluck me from the ongoing cycle of my obsession...

I’ve been told that my brain has a “Reward Center.” I’ve also been told that my brain’s reward center was a little off-kilter when I was taking pain killers on a regular basis. The opiates turned my brain into a little spoiled brat. Although it’s a very simplistic description of a highly...

If you have been reading my blogs or have read some of the earlier ones, it’s easy to surmise that although my credo is “anything that works” as far as quitting pain killers. However, I’m human and just like anybody else, I have my biases. I try not to let them seep through in...

Reason #4: “Your Children Know and They’re Concerned” This reason is titled incorrectly because it could easily be a family member or a friend who “knows” and is “concerned.” On the “Top Ten Reasons To Quit Pain Killers” page here on this site, I...

“When you’re ready, Nicorette can help.” I’ve always thought that line was a bit odd. The whole premise of “quitting when you’re ready” is not just a tag line for Nicorette, it’s standard operating procedure for quitting anything…apparently. When I’m “ready”…really? Ok,...

Julian M.: Can you tell me how long it takes to get addicted to pain killers? What should I look for as far as behavior etc. etc. to know that I (or someone else ) am addicted Dr. Earthman: There is not a definite answer as to how long it takes to get addicted to pain killers.  First, you must understand...

Hi everyone. We have been meaning to start a message board here due to the immense amount of questions that we get for both Dr. Earthman and myself. Keep them coming. However, as a good preemptive step, we’ve started a new group on Google called “Pain Killers Anonymous”. It’s...

I would say about 75% of my visitors here are taking Vicodin or some other derivative of Hydrocodone. It’s a popular drug to say the least and doctors give it out like candy for all sorts of aches and pains. As funny as it sounds, I think it’s a good drug and it controls pain quite well especially...

Question from Linda F.: “Is it possible for someone to taper off Vicodin, and lessen the withdraw symptoms?” Dr. Earthman: “Yes.  Typically lowering the average dose of opiates you are consuming in a 24 hour period can decrease the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and possibly shorten...

Wow, with all of the doom and gloom, sometimes I just want to curl under my sheets in bed and start sucking my thumb! I can’t stand to watch the news any more; how about you? Sheesh. And if I see one more “poor” former billionaire being relegated to a pauper millionaire I’m going...