Someone Help! - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

JoJoLovEsYou · 07-02-2005, 11:31 PM

I've been clean from heroin for 4 months. The first month was hard as hell the second and third month were no problem at all for me. but this past month has been horrible!!!! I have several cravings a day and it seems like everything from the phone ringing to seeing a wad of dollar bills reminds me of drugs. I don't want to use again because I know the consequences if I do. I'm afraid that one of these days I will fall back in the hole and live the life as a heroin addict again. I'm a 16 year old whose stuck in the house all day and I'm only allowed to see my boyfriend which doesn't do me any good because he's in a placement right now. Does anybody have suggestions about what I can do around the house to help keep my mind of drugs and possibly make my recovery easier to deal with???

sloane2468 · 07-02-2005, 11:57 PM

If this were a friend of yours, I have no doubt you would do every thing you could for them. I think if you look at your self as the best friend you ever had, because you Are! you will not bring any harm to your self. You know what all the dangers are already, keep your self busy, don't be hard on your self, every day is a day you can say "I made it through"

Every one can be their own worst enemy, but every one can look inside and see what is really there. What only you know about. Be good to You~

sloane

Pick-a-name · 07-03-2005, 07:55 AM

I do not know about this, so I may be way off base on this, but I will throw it out there anyway. In the book "Under the influence" author Dr. James Milam talks about the physical disease o alcoholism and the chemical changes (THIQ; I think they are referred as) that are identical to that of a heroin addict's physical changes. He also talks about the body going thru what sound to be cyclical withdrawals of lessiening intensity lasting in somecases up to two years for recovering alcoholics of long use history. Maybe this could be related to what you are experiencing.."protracted withdrawal syndrome" or PAWS. Then again, maybe it is just human nature to get weary of it all after the "newness" is gone and the daily grind sets in.

Whatever the case; I wish you well...don't give up on yourself!

Pick-a-name · 07-03-2005, 07:59 AM

I failed to say; the point of knowing about PAWS is to know that it is both normal and also does not last. Hopefully enough to keep you encouraged to keep doing what you need to do until it passes in intensity. Hope that helps somehow; hang in there!

**historyteach** · 07-03-2005, 08:08 AM

Yes, it does indeed sound like PAWS.
Are you going to meetings? I strongly suggest that.
If you are not allowed to meetings, (?), then go to web link like this one, www.sober-teens.com , life ring and smart recovery.
Do whatever you need to do to stop yourself from using. Call whomever you need to call. A hotline, a non using friend; a counselor; a mental health clinic.
I hope your parents will let you go to meetings. The support you will receive is unbelievable, and you need it especially if you're going through PAWS.
My son is a heroin addict. He started heroin when he was 16. He is 25 now, and is still struggling; still suffering.
I pray that you will have the strength to get through this. With the help of good people, you can.
Keep coming back, and check out those other ones too, ok?
Let us know how it's going....We care....

Shalom!

JoJoLovEsYou · 07-05-2005, 07:35 PM

Thank you guys so much for your replies. Ten minutes ago before I even read them I have never even heard of the term "PAWS" and I'm glad I have an idea of whats been going on with me. Thank you so much!!

Historyteach-I will pray for your son

Jewelz · 07-07-2005, 11:52 AM

(((JoJoLovEsYou))) I wanted to send my support and prayers to you.

Hugs,
Jewel

grayhorizon · 07-07-2005, 02:00 PM

JoJo, do you like to read? If you do, I think reading a good book will help. How about reading Harry Potter? If you haven't read any of the books, you can start

there are already 5 out and the 6th book will come out on the 16th of this month.

You're so very young and you already know the consequences if you don't resist and fight for your sobriety. Turn to the folks here for help and support. They've helped me deal with my ex bf's addiction and get on with my life. It's never too late if you want to turn the tide.

I hope that help some. Take care of yourself.

Ann25 · 07-07-2005, 02:19 PM

I know when I got off of painkillers (they say its almost the same as heroin) I went out of my mind!!!!!! I dont know--Im just trying to relate------- what worked for me was keeping busy!!!!!!!! It must be hard having to stay in--but.......do what ever you can----reading--tv--real friends--whatever you have to do--just do it!!!!! PLEASE--My heart broke just reading your post!!!!!! You are so young----dont let this aweful disease take you--and it is a disease--dont let anyone tell you different!!!!!! It is an ongoing, DAILY, and frustratting battle---hang in there!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!
Ann

Ann25 · 07-07-2005, 02:20 PM

I didnt mean to scare you-------but I hope I did!!!!!!!!
Ann

KelKel · 07-07-2005, 03:11 PM

Sometimes we have to take it one minute at a time,
try to hang in there, i promise is isnt going to be any better.
It just gets worse.

I have always found yoga nad excercise good ways of combating that antsy unsettled, obssessive impulses to use.

JoJoLovEsYou · 07-12-2005, 10:58 PM

Jewelz1797-Thank you very much for your support and prayers. It really means a lot knowing that people do care. It definatly gives me hope in my recovery.

grayhorizon-Thanks for the advice. Believe it or not the idea of reading never even came to my head. Thats for sure one thing that will help me get through the day. Also, congrats on moving on with your life. Having to deal with a loved ones addiction problem has got to be tuff. It's real hard to let go but by doing that you proved yourself how strong you are.

Ann25-Yeah painkillers and herion are very similar when it comes to withdraws. Your post did scare me but in a good way. You made me relize a little bit more how serious my problem was. I promise you I will try my hardest to not give in. Thanks for your support!

KelKel-Yoga sounds like a good idea. Thanks!

dmajor7th · 07-12-2005, 11:36 PM

I truly wish you all the strength and good things in the world. You have done SO WELL to have achieved what you have at this age!!! If you stay clean now (and I know you can) you will have your whole beautiful life to experience with open eyes. Do things that you like-everybody's suggestions were great. One thing I want you to think about.
You are 16. Do you want to be dealing with this stuff when you are alot older and everyone you know has a life? The possibility of missing out on the simple things that most people take for granted-like health? Like friends? Like a family of your own? A career? Think about it next time you have a craving and then grab that phone, do something healthy you enjoy or whatever it takes! Don't know what you are into, but have you tried writing-even a journal, poetry, anything, or any kind of art? There is a whole wonderful world out there just waiting for you!!! Look at a globe and think of the possibilities. I like to look up wonderful things in foreign places-old temples and castles and amazing animals and cultures. The world is yours.

kasiemcg · 07-15-2005, 07:14 PM

Did you go through withdrawals...if so what were your symptoms?

JoJoLovEsYou · 07-15-2005, 10:47 PM

Ohhhhh yeah I went through withdrawals alright. The first 5 days were torture. Vomiting alot, muscle cramps, back pain, shaking,chills, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, watery eyes, and thats just off the top of my head. It was terrible.

spirit30 · 07-16-2005, 08:01 AM

Just think. If you stay the course, one day, you will be able to look back at this say..."I can't believe I was ever like that, I'm so glad I didn't give in". What will you be saying to yourself if you don't stay on track???

The thing you must remember is that it won't always be this hard. Sounds like PAWS to me to. Which is great, because you know that things will get easier as time goes on.

I'm cheering for you!

JoJoLovEsYou · 07-19-2005, 08:48 PM

dmajor7th...Thank you so much for such a sweet comment. You've opened my eyes and made me relize that there is so much I can do with my life. For the past few days whenever I have gotten a bit upset about everything I read your post and it reminds me how much I have to live for. Thank you for helping me remember about my future.

spirit30...Thank you for your support. It means a lot

07-02-2005, 11:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
JoJoLovEsYou Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 7	Someone Help! I've been clean from heroin for 4 months. The first month was hard as hell the second and third month were no problem at all for me. but this past month has been horrible!!!! I have several cravings a day and it seems like everything from the phone ringing to seeing a wad of dollar bills reminds me of drugs. I don't want to use again because I know the consequences if I do. I'm afraid that one of these days I will fall back in the hole and live the life as a heroin addict again. I'm a 16 year old whose stuck in the house all day and I'm only allowed to see my boyfriend which doesn't do me any good because he's in a placement right now. Does anybody have suggestions about what I can do around the house to help keep my mind of drugs and possibly make my recovery easier to deal with???

07-02-2005, 11:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
sloane2468 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Nevada Posts: 41	treat your self like you would a friend If this were a friend of yours, I have no doubt you would do every thing you could for them. I think if you look at your self as the best friend you ever had, because you Are! you will not bring any harm to your self. You know what all the dangers are already, keep your self busy, don't be hard on your self, every day is a day you can say "I made it through" Every one can be their own worst enemy, but every one can look inside and see what is really there. What only you know about. Be good to You~ sloane __________________ ~The invisible people, the ones we walk by every day, the ones we some time become~

07-03-2005, 08:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
historyteach To Life! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: centered again Posts: 8,071	Yes, it does indeed sound like PAWS. Are you going to meetings? I strongly suggest that. If you are not allowed to meetings, (?), then go to web link like this one, www.sober-teens.com , life ring and smart recovery. Do whatever you need to do to stop yourself from using. Call whomever you need to call. A hotline, a non using friend; a counselor; a mental health clinic. I hope your parents will let you go to meetings. The support you will receive is unbelievable, and you need it especially if you're going through PAWS. My son is a heroin addict. He started heroin when he was 16. He is 25 now, and is still struggling; still suffering. I pray that you will have the strength to get through this. With the help of good people, you can. Keep coming back, and check out those other ones too, ok? Let us know how it's going....We care.... Shalom! __________________

07-07-2005, 11:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
Jewelz Just plainly tired Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: crossroads Posts: 2,669	(((JoJoLovEsYou))) I wanted to send my support and prayers to you. Hugs, Jewel __________________ The thing we feel most guilty doing or the thing we hate to do the most is probably the right thing to do where the addict is concerned. It is the hardest thing of all to do. And if you don't know what to do .. then best to do nothing (safer ground). Thank you Passion

07-07-2005, 02:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
Ann25 Still hangin` on... Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: MA Posts: 336	I know when I got off of painkillers (they say its almost the same as heroin) I went out of my mind!!!!!! I dont know--Im just trying to relate------- what worked for me was keeping busy!!!!!!!! It must be hard having to stay in--but.......do what ever you can----reading--tv--real friends--whatever you have to do--just do it!!!!! PLEASE--My heart broke just reading your post!!!!!! You are so young----dont let this aweful disease take you--and it is a disease--dont let anyone tell you different!!!!!! It is an ongoing, DAILY, and frustratting battle---hang in there!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!! Ann __________________ "Our greastest glory consists not in ever falling, but rising everytime we fall." -Confucius

07-03-2005, 07:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
Pick-a-name Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,582	I do not know about this, so I may be way off base on this, but I will throw it out there anyway. In the book "Under the influence" author Dr. James Milam talks about the physical disease o alcoholism and the chemical changes (THIQ; I think they are referred as) that are identical to that of a heroin addict's physical changes. He also talks about the body going thru what sound to be cyclical withdrawals of lessiening intensity lasting in somecases up to two years for recovering alcoholics of long use history. Maybe this could be related to what you are experiencing.."protracted withdrawal syndrome" or PAWS. Then again, maybe it is just human nature to get weary of it all after the "newness" is gone and the daily grind sets in. Whatever the case; I wish you well...don't give up on yourself!

07-03-2005, 07:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
Pick-a-name Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,582	I failed to say; the point of knowing about PAWS is to know that it is both normal and also does not last. Hopefully enough to keep you encouraged to keep doing what you need to do until it passes in intensity. Hope that helps somehow; hang in there!

07-05-2005, 07:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
JoJoLovEsYou Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 7	Thank you guys so much for your replies. Ten minutes ago before I even read them I have never even heard of the term "PAWS" and I'm glad I have an idea of whats been going on with me. Thank you so much!! Historyteach-I will pray for your son

07-07-2005, 02:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
grayhorizon Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: California Posts: 14	JoJo, do you like to read? If you do, I think reading a good book will help. How about reading Harry Potter? If you haven't read any of the books, you can start there are already 5 out and the 6th book will come out on the 16th of this month. You're so very young and you already know the consequences if you don't resist and fight for your sobriety. Turn to the folks here for help and support. They've helped me deal with my ex bf's addiction and get on with my life. It's never too late if you want to turn the tide. I hope that help some. Take care of yourself.

07-07-2005, 02:20 PM	#10 (permalink)
Ann25 Still hangin` on... Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: MA Posts: 336	I didnt mean to scare you-------but I hope I did!!!!!!!! Ann __________________ "Our greastest glory consists not in ever falling, but rising everytime we fall." -Confucius

07-07-2005, 03:11 PM	#11 (permalink)
KelKel Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Mohave Desert Posts: 2,313	Sometimes we have to take it one minute at a time, try to hang in there, i promise is isnt going to be any better. It just gets worse. I have always found yoga nad excercise good ways of combating that antsy unsettled, obssessive impulses to use.

07-12-2005, 10:58 PM	#12 (permalink)
JoJoLovEsYou Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 7	Jewelz1797-Thank you very much for your support and prayers. It really means a lot knowing that people do care. It definatly gives me hope in my recovery. grayhorizon-Thanks for the advice. Believe it or not the idea of reading never even came to my head. Thats for sure one thing that will help me get through the day. Also, congrats on moving on with your life. Having to deal with a loved ones addiction problem has got to be tuff. It's real hard to let go but by doing that you proved yourself how strong you are. Ann25-Yeah painkillers and herion are very similar when it comes to withdraws. Your post did scare me but in a good way. You made me relize a little bit more how serious my problem was. I promise you I will try my hardest to not give in. Thanks for your support! KelKel-Yoga sounds like a good idea. Thanks!

07-12-2005, 11:36 PM	#13 (permalink)
dmajor7th Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 92	I truly wish you all the strength and good things in the world. You have done SO WELL to have achieved what you have at this age!!! If you stay clean now (and I know you can) you will have your whole beautiful life to experience with open eyes. Do things that you like-everybody's suggestions were great. One thing I want you to think about. You are 16. Do you want to be dealing with this stuff when you are alot older and everyone you know has a life? The possibility of missing out on the simple things that most people take for granted-like health? Like friends? Like a family of your own? A career? Think about it next time you have a craving and then grab that phone, do something healthy you enjoy or whatever it takes! Don't know what you are into, but have you tried writing-even a journal, poetry, anything, or any kind of art? There is a whole wonderful world out there just waiting for you!!! Look at a globe and think of the possibilities. I like to look up wonderful things in foreign places-old temples and castles and amazing animals and cultures. The world is yours. __________________ If you're going through hell, keep going.

07-15-2005, 07:14 PM	#14 (permalink)
kasiemcg Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wotham, TX Posts: 3	Did you go through withdrawals...if so what were your symptoms?

07-15-2005, 10:47 PM	#15 (permalink)
JoJoLovEsYou Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 7	Ohhhhh yeah I went through withdrawals alright. The first 5 days were torture. Vomiting alot, muscle cramps, back pain, shaking,chills, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, watery eyes, and thats just off the top of my head. It was terrible.

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07-16-2005, 08:01 AM	#16 (permalink)
spirit30 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Little Island in the Atlantic Ocean Posts: 57	Just think. If you stay the course, one day, you will be able to look back at this say..."I can't believe I was ever like that, I'm so glad I didn't give in". What will you be saying to yourself if you don't stay on track??? The thing you must remember is that it won't always be this hard. Sounds like PAWS to me to. Which is great, because you know that things will get easier as time goes on. I'm cheering for you!

07-19-2005, 08:48 PM	#17 (permalink)
JoJoLovEsYou Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 7	dmajor7th...Thank you so much for such a sweet comment. You've opened my eyes and made me relize that there is so much I can do with my life. For the past few days whenever I have gotten a bit upset about everything I read your post and it reminds me how much I have to live for. Thank you for helping me remember about my future. spirit30...Thank you for your support. It means a lot

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