This is starting to drive me crazy!!

[Madalaina]

Hello everyone!

I'm not sure if this is the right board to post this on, but I'll give it a try anyways. I am an addict. I have been clean for 13 mos. My problem is that I cannot concentrate on one thing. I start something, and before I finish it, I start on something else. And half of the time, I don't finish either project, or if I do finish it, it takes me forever! Another thing, when I read something, sometimes I have to read it over and over to comprehend it. It's like my mind can not stay focussed on one thing. I thought maybe it was because I was getting off of drugs, and this may very well be the reason, but it has been 13 mos and it is not getting better. Does anyone have the same problem?? Any info. would be greatly apprecitated!

Thank you,
Alissa

[michski]

13 months is so EXCELLENT! Way to go !!

Don't worry too much about your distractions. I thought I was totally better when I was 18 months clean/sober. Now, after more than 4 years of not poisoning myself with booze/drugs I am better than I ever imagined I would be. We've done a lot to screw ourselves up and it just takes awhile before we are able to get ALL of our ducks in a row! Funny how you never knew how screwed up your really were until you're NOT anymore. I was told over and over again from many that (depending how much you screwed yourself up) some time around 5 years clean they were completely "back to normal" and often better. Don't get discouraged because you are well on your way and everything will get easier and more enjoyable.

I don't know about you but I wanted everything to get better NOW and I wanted to do a gazillion things I hadn't done when I was active... well, all this is to say it was really easy for me to get overloaded and distracted. I found myself sitting in a chair overwhelmed by my own motivations! Have you considered learning how to meditate? It would help you a whole lot.

[shutterbug]

There are many possiblities for the problems you mention...ADD/ADHD or stress or a more significant issue.

There are lots of links to thread in my journal where you can find great info about ADD/ADHD....which tends to have some similar things like what you are describing.

I am bipolar and am recovering from my second major depression and in the midst of it lacked all focus and memory that I couldnt' even drive without forgetting where it was I was driving to. And many times, like you said, comprehending a single line of text took me 1/2 an hour or more.

If you have insurance I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND making an appointment with a psychiatrist as soon as possible - general docs just don't have the training and knowledge to be able to help patients dealing with these kinds of issues. Mental illness (such as bipolar disorder, depression and ADD - and others) tend to go hand-in-hand with addiction. In fact, about 85 percent of all bipolars also have addiction problems. Some think this is because we try different ways to self medicate - even though we don't realize that's what we are doing. It is often the case that a person's mental illnesses become hidden or masked by their addictions...so when they sober up...a whole bunch of simingly new problems rise to the surface.

Seeking out a correct diagnosis for what's going on with you right now is MOST important b/c IF YOU ALSO ARE BATTLEING A MENTAL ILLNESS -- THEN YOUR CHANCES OF STAYING SOBER ARE VERY, VERY LOW UNLESS YOU ADDRESS THE MENTAL ILLNESS ALSO!!!

I don't say that to scare you or make you lose hope, not in the least, - but rather it is arming you with the knowledge you need so that all your efforts so far are not wasted and so you can truely have a happy and wonderful future with some work on your part.

[amandajane]

I agree with the above post, she's said it so well. As soon as I read your post ADD/ADHD came to mind. Getting a psychiatrists help will definately help you in the short, medium and longer term, regarding your addiction issues. *hugs* to you :-)

[Lilya]

Congratulation and welcome, Alissa.

I was an drug addict and alcoholic, and I understand your problem very well. It´s perfectly normal to feel this way, because you are under stress while your body and brain is getting rid of the drugs. It can take a while, so don´t be alarmed if this happens from time to time.

It´s always good to talk things over with a therapist or psychiatrist, and I believe it´s essential to come out of isolation and be involved with a good group. At least it worked for me. Whatever you choose to do, don´t take on too much - remember the treatment can be incredibly stressful - and write everything down. This way you won´t forget. When you catch yourself reading and not seeing what you are reading, put the book down. Your brain is telling you this is too much. Surrender to it, then try again. This takes time.

Good luck!