I need your opinion.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 9
I need your opinion.
Hello All,
I just wanted to start off by saying thank you. I've been reading this forum for sometime now and it's good to know that their are good/supportive people still out there.
Anyways, I've been addicted to opiates for sometime now and I went through a horrible withdrawal almost two weeks ago. Ever since then I kicked the habit. I do not wish to live a life like that anymore. But ever since then I've been having uncontrollable depression/anxiety. I can't even focus at work. I broke down today and started crying but I couldn't help it. I feel so lost. I hate saying that because I feel like a chump. It's been so long since I've cried, I can't even remember the last time. I've got this huge ******* headache right now, it's probably from me trying to hold back and keep my composure. I still have some minor W/D symptoms but over all I feel better physically. It sucks though because I think I've been depressed for a while but I've been masking it with use so now I'm realizing it full throttle. I've never been on anti-depressants but my question is. Should I look into getting some? Will it affect my W/Ds? What other information do I need to know about it? Should I just tough this out and hope things get better?
Thanks for any responses...
and DAMN OPIATES TO HELL!
I just wanted to start off by saying thank you. I've been reading this forum for sometime now and it's good to know that their are good/supportive people still out there.
Anyways, I've been addicted to opiates for sometime now and I went through a horrible withdrawal almost two weeks ago. Ever since then I kicked the habit. I do not wish to live a life like that anymore. But ever since then I've been having uncontrollable depression/anxiety. I can't even focus at work. I broke down today and started crying but I couldn't help it. I feel so lost. I hate saying that because I feel like a chump. It's been so long since I've cried, I can't even remember the last time. I've got this huge ******* headache right now, it's probably from me trying to hold back and keep my composure. I still have some minor W/D symptoms but over all I feel better physically. It sucks though because I think I've been depressed for a while but I've been masking it with use so now I'm realizing it full throttle. I've never been on anti-depressants but my question is. Should I look into getting some? Will it affect my W/Ds? What other information do I need to know about it? Should I just tough this out and hope things get better?
Thanks for any responses...
and DAMN OPIATES TO HELL!
My best suggestion would be to get a thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist well versed in addictions.
I medicated my depression for many years. I was finally diagnosed with major depressive disorder at about 18 months clean/sober. At that time I turned down medication as I was pregnant.
I have been on meds several years now, and thank God for that. I am not one of those people who can "snap out of it". I have true depressive disorder.
Get that evaluation, and congratulations on putting the opiates down!
I medicated my depression for many years. I was finally diagnosed with major depressive disorder at about 18 months clean/sober. At that time I turned down medication as I was pregnant.
I have been on meds several years now, and thank God for that. I am not one of those people who can "snap out of it". I have true depressive disorder.
Get that evaluation, and congratulations on putting the opiates down!
Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,677
WOW! You have two weeks behind you! That is excellent.
Well, welcome to the forum. There are lots of supportive people on here who will chime in and help you.
At two weeks, you'll still be suffering stuff like extreme lethargy, insomnia, restlessness, racing thoughts, and yes depression is extremely common. Opiates have strong antidepressant qualities for a lot of us, and you'll get a rebound effect on your mood when you quit taking them. Also, if you had a tendency towards depression before using, you may be dealing with that again.
I always think it is a good idea to discuss this kind of stuff with your doctor. Lots of us have fought depression, and many of us have benefited from going on something prescribed for that by our doctors.
So, my own personal opinion is to go get yourself checked out. If you can be honest with your doctor about being in recovery from opiates, that really helps the doc know how to help you.
I'm 9 months clean now and so glad I'm not in early withdrawal any more. The OX is a nasty drug to break free from. Your "addict brain" will try to convince you the only way out is to start using again. That's not true, and I tend to call it an "addict brain lie", because you know that opiate use never ends well, unless it is a controlled situation managed by doctors to prevent the tolerance and toxicity, and of course addiction, that often results when it is not.
For me, I did "tough it out" in terms of not taking anything really strong to fix the insomnia etc., but I am on a mild antidepressant, which was prescribed to me before the oxys ever came into play. Some docs will give you something for sleep and restlessness.
Things will get better no matter which route you take. It just takes time.
Good luck, and I'm glad you're here!
FT
Well, welcome to the forum. There are lots of supportive people on here who will chime in and help you.
At two weeks, you'll still be suffering stuff like extreme lethargy, insomnia, restlessness, racing thoughts, and yes depression is extremely common. Opiates have strong antidepressant qualities for a lot of us, and you'll get a rebound effect on your mood when you quit taking them. Also, if you had a tendency towards depression before using, you may be dealing with that again.
I always think it is a good idea to discuss this kind of stuff with your doctor. Lots of us have fought depression, and many of us have benefited from going on something prescribed for that by our doctors.
So, my own personal opinion is to go get yourself checked out. If you can be honest with your doctor about being in recovery from opiates, that really helps the doc know how to help you.
I'm 9 months clean now and so glad I'm not in early withdrawal any more. The OX is a nasty drug to break free from. Your "addict brain" will try to convince you the only way out is to start using again. That's not true, and I tend to call it an "addict brain lie", because you know that opiate use never ends well, unless it is a controlled situation managed by doctors to prevent the tolerance and toxicity, and of course addiction, that often results when it is not.
For me, I did "tough it out" in terms of not taking anything really strong to fix the insomnia etc., but I am on a mild antidepressant, which was prescribed to me before the oxys ever came into play. Some docs will give you something for sleep and restlessness.
Things will get better no matter which route you take. It just takes time.
Good luck, and I'm glad you're here!
FT
Fresh air and sunshine might help, take a walk, a jog or a bike ride. With someone is better, and be sure to notice the simple, beautiful things that surround us all. Oh, and you will need to do it more than once to really get the benefits, kinda like prayer, oops did I go there. Ya, I should mention that helps, but again ya gotta do it more than once.
Oh and B vitamins really help along with other assorted friuts and vegetables. And kittens, not eating them, just holding them. And little kids, unless of course they haven't napped then they can be annoying.
You may also want to try charity, generousity and plain old kindness. Again like walking and praying it takes a few tries, but man does it make you (Me) feel good.
That's about all I got, good luck.
Larry
PS. I was gonna mention sex, but that didn't seem appropriate.
Oh and B vitamins really help along with other assorted friuts and vegetables. And kittens, not eating them, just holding them. And little kids, unless of course they haven't napped then they can be annoying.
You may also want to try charity, generousity and plain old kindness. Again like walking and praying it takes a few tries, but man does it make you (Me) feel good.
That's about all I got, good luck.
Larry
PS. I was gonna mention sex, but that didn't seem appropriate.
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 83
I am only 8 days in now off Norco. In May I was able to stay off 12 days. I have noticed that I am extra sensative. I wouldn't call it depression. It's more like I cry really easy at stuff I would not normally cry at. And the crazy thing is it could be a happy or sad thing. I cried a little yesterday when I was watching a soccer game and my favorite player scored. That's a first. And I also cried today while reading an article in Runnersworld about an old man who ran in the 1936 Olympics in Germany and Hitler (yes Hitler) shoke his hand to congratulate him. The guy is still alive and lives in Torrance, CA and goes to the USC track to speak every year. These are definitely not things that would have me balling my head off before my detox! But I digress.
I think like failedtaper said the opiates do have an anti depressive affect on some and so when you take it away you are left raw and vulnerable (at least that's how I feel). I was so numb the last 18 months I am actually kind of liking the feelings good and bad that I have. Yes I have big time mood swings. But I am looking at it like hey I am going to come out ok. Moods and feelings are a normal part of life however I must say my experience in the last 2 days is an extreme even for me!
Hope it gets better soon! Don't hesitate to go to doctor if you really just don't feel right at all!!!!!!
I think like failedtaper said the opiates do have an anti depressive affect on some and so when you take it away you are left raw and vulnerable (at least that's how I feel). I was so numb the last 18 months I am actually kind of liking the feelings good and bad that I have. Yes I have big time mood swings. But I am looking at it like hey I am going to come out ok. Moods and feelings are a normal part of life however I must say my experience in the last 2 days is an extreme even for me!
Hope it gets better soon! Don't hesitate to go to doctor if you really just don't feel right at all!!!!!!
Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NYC/NJ
Posts: 431
Go see a mental health professional. Don't try to tough this out any longer. Severe anxiety and depression can be more crippling and soul crushing than drug addiction, and those experiencing it often don't realize just how abnormal it is to feel that way as they get used it and forget what "normal" feels like. Unless there's a clear issue in your life causing you distress, life isn't supposed to be that painful- if you live right, it can really be pretty good. Anti-depressants and therapy can be a god-send for many people, but it's important to know whether these symptoms you're experiencing are strictly related to withdrawal, or whether you have an underlying issue that maybe led to your abuse in the first place. If it's the latter, you will likely need some form of help/treatment if you expect to stay clean, and more importantly live a happy life. Please look into this. Just so you know, most good psychs will generally wait some time before giving a mental health diagnosis if you have recently gone through drug withdrawal, but it'd probably be a good idea to get the ball rolling. Go get the help you need. Let us know how it works out.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NYC/NJ
Posts: 431
You're jumping ahead. They may or may not recommend medication. Just go talk to a professional and tell them how you're feeling. What's your reason for not wanting to do that? "Uncontrollable" anxiety/depression can cause you to live life and make decision based out of fear, rather than what's best for you and what will make you happy. I know, I experienced it myself and got help, and I'm a productive, happy person now. Life is no longer a struggle, I wake up in the morning excited to start the day instead of filled with dread. You'd be making a big mistake, and ultimately causing yourself a lot of unhappiness, not to make some sort of effort here.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 9
Thank you guys for all your responses. It really is uplifting. I'm going to give this a little while longer and if I don't start feeling right I'll make a doc appointment.
I have another question... I've been reading up on withdrawals and read that Tramadol (Ultram) can be used to ease opiate withdrawals. Have any of you heard this or advise this? I don't plan on doing this because I think I'm pretty much out of the woods (except for the stomach cramps). But a buddy of mine whose been IV'ing it is about to quit tomorrow and I know he's really going to be hurting... ~Thanks again everyone.
I have another question... I've been reading up on withdrawals and read that Tramadol (Ultram) can be used to ease opiate withdrawals. Have any of you heard this or advise this? I don't plan on doing this because I think I'm pretty much out of the woods (except for the stomach cramps). But a buddy of mine whose been IV'ing it is about to quit tomorrow and I know he's really going to be hurting... ~Thanks again everyone.
Thank you guys for all your responses. It really is uplifting. I'm going to give this a little while longer and if I don't start feeling right I'll make a doc appointment.
I have another question... I've been reading up on withdrawals and read that Tramadol (Ultram) can be used to ease opiate withdrawals. Have any of you heard this or advise this? I don't plan on doing this because I think I'm pretty much out of the woods (except for the stomach cramps). But a buddy of mine whose been IV'ing it is about to quit tomorrow and I know he's really going to be hurting... ~Thanks again everyone.
I have another question... I've been reading up on withdrawals and read that Tramadol (Ultram) can be used to ease opiate withdrawals. Have any of you heard this or advise this? I don't plan on doing this because I think I'm pretty much out of the woods (except for the stomach cramps). But a buddy of mine whose been IV'ing it is about to quit tomorrow and I know he's really going to be hurting... ~Thanks again everyone.
Going from Opiods is a BAD idea because tramadol W/D can be just as bad if not worse. In my case, the Tramadol nearly gave me a heart attack- NO KIDDING. Mine is a very rare case but the Tram made my blood preasure rocket to 180/160 when my normal is 125/90. I went to the eye doc because I was seeing spots. When they checked my B Preasure, they sent me right to the ER.
DO NOT DO TRAMADOL! You will make things worse!
Hi King,
Welcome!
You're 2 weeks off of a serious drug addiction, still experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and you feel terrible? Ha, you're kidding! 
In my own experience on this journey, sometimes things look like they're getting worse when they're actually getting better. Getting really "sick" during detox for a chance to finally get well was exactly one of those times for me.
When I got clean two and a half years ago, I felt physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually bankrupt.
Before I found recovery, I thought there were endless things wrong with me. It turns out I was just a run of the mill untreated addict.
My extreme drug use made a mess of my neurochemistry, and it took quite a bit of time for this to regulate. I experienced all kinds of things in the early days, weeks and months that I believe were part of my brain balancing itself out.
Total abstinence from all mind-altering, mood-changing chemicals, plus time, plus learning to live in accordance with a program of recovery is what has worked for me. For the first time in my entire adult life, not only am I drug-free -- including free from the prescribed benzos, anti-depressants, sleeping pills and more -- but I feel better than ever.
I definitely did experience Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. Being able to identify what was going on with me made a huge difference in my early recovery. You might want to consider reading up on it before jumping on the med wagon.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms - Relapse Prevention Strategies
PAWS « Digital Dharma
Post-acute-withdrawal syndrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
From the Wikipedia article:
and this:
Much love and best of luck on the journey.
SIU
Welcome!
You're 2 weeks off of a serious drug addiction, still experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and you feel terrible? Ha, you're kidding! 
In my own experience on this journey, sometimes things look like they're getting worse when they're actually getting better. Getting really "sick" during detox for a chance to finally get well was exactly one of those times for me.
When I got clean two and a half years ago, I felt physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually bankrupt.
Before I found recovery, I thought there were endless things wrong with me. It turns out I was just a run of the mill untreated addict.
My extreme drug use made a mess of my neurochemistry, and it took quite a bit of time for this to regulate. I experienced all kinds of things in the early days, weeks and months that I believe were part of my brain balancing itself out.
Total abstinence from all mind-altering, mood-changing chemicals, plus time, plus learning to live in accordance with a program of recovery is what has worked for me. For the first time in my entire adult life, not only am I drug-free -- including free from the prescribed benzos, anti-depressants, sleeping pills and more -- but I feel better than ever.
I definitely did experience Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. Being able to identify what was going on with me made a huge difference in my early recovery. You might want to consider reading up on it before jumping on the med wagon.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms - Relapse Prevention Strategies
PAWS « Digital Dharma
Post-acute-withdrawal syndrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
From the Wikipedia article:
"Drug abuse, including alcohol and prescription drugs can induce symptomatology which resembles mental illness. This can occur both in the intoxicated state and also during the withdrawal state."
"In most cases these drug induced psychiatric disorders fade away with prolonged abstinence."
SIU
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)