Jaw Problems from Opiate use/Detox

[jazpoppy]

I have a question about an issue I have experienced during and a little while after (about 2 months) detoxing in Feb 04 off of opium tea. My jaw would lock up and I would studder when I was speaking. It was embarrasing and I am wondering if anyone had ever experienced anything like it before. It happened when I detoxed off of Oxy, Methadone, and Opium tea. So I know it has to be tied to detoxing off opiates. I noticed it would start happening if I didn't do my stuff on time (started light detox before next use). Any input would be helpful. Thank you.

Jaz

[eddie z.]

Hey, Jocelyn!!
In early '98, my jaw locked open a few times. It was very frightening and sometimes painful to get it closed again. I know I was detoxing some of those times because I yawned alot during withdrawals and my jaw got stuck when I would yawn real big or take a big bite of food. I didn't connect it with detox at the time, but I never (until now) heard anyone else mention it. Wow! Isn't that bizarre? I actually had my dentist examine my jaw because I thought something was wrong with the joint. I'm just careful now not to ever open my mouth very wide. I can't explain why that happens but it definitely appears to be withdrawal-related. Hope you are doing OK!

Love and hugs,
Eddie

[jazpoppy]

Eddie;

Thanks for replying. I thought that mabey I was insane or something. I do have a little TMJ, but it never bothered me much. Just seems to lock up when I am talking or something during a detox. I am OK now, I am not detoxing, nor do I ever want to detox again. I haven't been abusing drugs and hope not to have to ever again. I am still having trouble with the drinking though. I hate to end the party, but it seems that I am going to have to. I have been on this site everday reading posts and asking for help/advice. Thanks again for your reply. Now I now I am not insane, just crazy! :andy:

Jocelyn AKA JAZ

[eddie z.]

Jaz,
You're welcome.
Congratulations on getting off the opiates!!
Always feel to PM me if you like.
Love and hugs, Eddie

[jazpoppy]

Eddie;

I love to get replies from you, your are an inspiration to me. I just posted in Alcoholism forum, I have relapsed with drinking, and I am very very upset. I may lose my boyfriend of over a year over my drinking. He helped me with detox from opiates last year but says he cannot watch me go down the tubes with alcohol. I have been drinking a lot longer that I had been using narcotics. I am scared. I am tempted to go back to opiates. Please, any advice would help. I will PM you if I see you on-line. Thanks again Eddie.

Love

Jaz

[fuster]

Life gets better the longer you are sober. In a few years you will look back at this time and laugh.

[eddie z.]

Originally Posted by jazpoppy

I have been drinking a lot longer that I had been using narcotics. I am scared. I am tempted to go back to opiates.

You're always welcome, Jaz, and thank YOU for the compliment! I'm sorry you are struggling so much. I drank LONG before I started with opiates, too. But think about what you're saying. You know what you were saying when you started this thread about not ever having to detox again? Remember that!! All I can suggest is that you ask for some help, either professional, from a mutual-support group like AA or NA, or better yet, both. And...HANG IN THERE! You're in my thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs, Eddie

P.S. You can PM me even if I'm not online at the time, OK?

[jazpoppy]

Thanks Eddie and Fuster. I am doing better today. I am thinking and thinking. I am going to attend AA tommorrow night. I am also thinking about another round of out-patient rehab. Last time I was in, I didn't use or drink. I didn't listen well enough though I guess. Eddie, I will try to PM you tommorrow evening after my BB meeting so around 10pm or so. Its nice of you to offer letting me PM you because there are some things I believe I can feel comfortable enough to ask you, but don't want everyone to know. It seems like I can relate to you. Have a great sober Saturday!

Love

Jaz

[eddie z.]

Jaz,
You're welcome, of course! Glad you are feeling better. How was that meeting? Hope all is well with you! I'm still waiting on that PM. teehee
Love, Eddie

[jazpoppy]

Today sucked. I drank again. Didn't make the meeting. Will PM you now and tell you what is going on. I am tired of feeling like a loser.

Jaz

[fuster]

You may be struggling with more than just chemical dependency. Maybe not, but have you had any professional working with you in the past ask about this?

[jazpoppy]

I know I have some emotional (PTSD) and anxiety depression disorders. I am currently talking it out with a coucelor. I may just have to go back to outpatient rehab to keep me sober. thanks for your advice fuster.

Luv

Jaz

[fuster]

Your other disorders may be providing more impetus for you to give up and drink or use when emotional challenges in your day feel overwhelming.

There are ways to manage those disorders to smooth out your recovery, if you are also working with a therapist. If you can get a referral to a good co-occurring disorders support group, that would probably really help your recovery (make sure the group has women members or is women only). If you have not been referred to a psychiatrist to evaluate possible med management of your mental health disorders, you may be selling yourself short on staying sober, at least for the first few years of sobriety. It could be the difference between two days sober and two plus years sober.

[eddie z.]

Jaz,
Hey! Fuster put some great ideas out there. I would definitely check into seeing a psychiatrist and/or therapist AND attending a co-occurring disorders support group. I tried to find you a Dual Recovery Anonymous meeting, but didn't see any in New Hampshire. You might still want to have a look at their site. Click on the smooching smilies for a link:
Hope you're doing OK today!
Love and hugs, Eddie

[jazpoppy]

I do need to have my meds adjusted again. I had my Celexa up'd to 40mg, and added Elavil at nighttime 10-20mg. Otherwise I just keep drinking and stinkin' thinking. I am very tired, just getting over cellulitus from a tetinus shot and recovering from having my knuckle half cut off by a steak knife (no more cutting oranges, think I'll stick to peelin' em')! So I haven't been around for about a week. But I am back and still struggling. I am seeing my councelor on Mon and will ask for a referal to a good psyc. DR. I have attended one Dual Diag group but it doesn't exist anymore. Its too bad that there aren't more addiction specialists that deal with DD. My boyfriend is a DD councelor but it is unethical for me to be counceled by him obviously, but he has helped me understand myself A LOT more than I did before I met him. Thanks again for your advice Eddie and Fuster its nice to know people like you.

Luv

Jocelyn

[eddie z.]

You're welcome, Jocelyn!
Love and hugs, Eddie