PAWS advice/coping with emotions
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 25
PAWS advice/coping with emotions
Well, IF I didn't relapse, I would have been a year sober this month. I just wasted another year of my life.
Now I am back going through withdrawal at 3 am. I know what to expect with withdrawls, it's all the crazy emotions I obviously could not deal with and I am so afraid of it happening again.
I know it's going to happen and recently saw a post on here Referring to PAWS. Does anyone have advice on dealing with PAWS?
My poison is pain pills.. Opioid
Also, was wondering if anyone knows from experience how long it takes the body to repair itself as far as feeling physical pain?
The last time I did this I was not thinking ahead. I stupidly thought that after the withdrawls, I was going back to normal......I could not have been more wrong!
That was a huge mistake I made. I prepared like crazy for the withdrawls but did NOT prepare for what was to come & it just made me feel so crazy because I was oblivious about was happening.
Now I am back going through withdrawal at 3 am. I know what to expect with withdrawls, it's all the crazy emotions I obviously could not deal with and I am so afraid of it happening again.
I know it's going to happen and recently saw a post on here Referring to PAWS. Does anyone have advice on dealing with PAWS?
My poison is pain pills.. Opioid
Also, was wondering if anyone knows from experience how long it takes the body to repair itself as far as feeling physical pain?
The last time I did this I was not thinking ahead. I stupidly thought that after the withdrawls, I was going back to normal......I could not have been more wrong!
That was a huge mistake I made. I prepared like crazy for the withdrawls but did NOT prepare for what was to come & it just made me feel so crazy because I was oblivious about was happening.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,429
Hi Heartsmiles and welcome 
I know next to nothing about Opiod withdrawal but these links are the best I know for PAWs:
PAWS | Digital Dharma
Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center
I'm glad you found us - you'll find a lot of support here
D
I know next to nothing about Opiod withdrawal but these links are the best I know for PAWs:
PAWS | Digital Dharma
Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center
I'm glad you found us - you'll find a lot of support here
D
Marcher
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,235
Welcome Heartsmiles!
Dee posted some links that you should definitely read. I really studied PAWS at the beginning so I'd know what was coming. That helped a lot. Reading here on SR a lot too. Then posting. Knowing what you're going through and why, and that it WILL end, goes a long way toward relapse prevention. It did for me anyway.
I'm recovering from opioid addiction also. I'm not sure if I understand your question about physical pain correctly. If you're asking how long until the physical pain of withdrawal goes away, that varies with each person. For me, it was about 10 days.
This is a great place for support. You've come to the right place. Good luck in your recovery journey! This is the last time you have to go through this!
Dee posted some links that you should definitely read. I really studied PAWS at the beginning so I'd know what was coming. That helped a lot. Reading here on SR a lot too. Then posting. Knowing what you're going through and why, and that it WILL end, goes a long way toward relapse prevention. It did for me anyway.
I'm recovering from opioid addiction also. I'm not sure if I understand your question about physical pain correctly. If you're asking how long until the physical pain of withdrawal goes away, that varies with each person. For me, it was about 10 days.
This is a great place for support. You've come to the right place. Good luck in your recovery journey! This is the last time you have to go through this!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 25
Thank you for the warm welcome !
Most every time I write and go to send , it takes me back to the log in screen and I loose what I just wrote.
I wanted to say thank you Dee for the links. Very informative and I was rather surprised at the length of time that PAWS can last...a year! Crap.
I was not prepared for paws at all. I was beyond prepared for withdrawls but not the next steps.
My question about the physical pain I was referring to back pain. When I started taking them I actually thought I didn't need them but took them anyways and when I did my pain got much more intense. I was curious about the pain receptors and healing time. I know everyone is different but still curious.
I've heard after awhile being off pain meds the physical pain doesn't seem so bad.
Today was challenging. I'm supposed to go see my psychologist tomorrow and she is the one who helped me last year by giving me clonidine (which helped a lot) but I'm scared because she doesn't know I relapsed.
My doctor that prescribes pain meds said no I couldn't go off them when I asked him and handed me another script..... I ended up filling it and another year went by of me using. I screwed up.
Thank you for the support. So many wonderful people here !
Most every time I write and go to send , it takes me back to the log in screen and I loose what I just wrote.
I wanted to say thank you Dee for the links. Very informative and I was rather surprised at the length of time that PAWS can last...a year! Crap.
I was not prepared for paws at all. I was beyond prepared for withdrawls but not the next steps.
My question about the physical pain I was referring to back pain. When I started taking them I actually thought I didn't need them but took them anyways and when I did my pain got much more intense. I was curious about the pain receptors and healing time. I know everyone is different but still curious.
I've heard after awhile being off pain meds the physical pain doesn't seem so bad.
Today was challenging. I'm supposed to go see my psychologist tomorrow and she is the one who helped me last year by giving me clonidine (which helped a lot) but I'm scared because she doesn't know I relapsed.
My doctor that prescribes pain meds said no I couldn't go off them when I asked him and handed me another script..... I ended up filling it and another year went by of me using. I screwed up.
Thank you for the support. So many wonderful people here !
Marcher
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,235
Heartsmiles, 
My back pain eventually got worse over time on the pills, and my dosage got stronger and stronger.
Now the curious thing, when I decided to stop taking them (or I would die) I was scared not knowing what kind of pain I would feel. After physical w/d was subsiding, so was my back pain. That must have been about 10-14 days. Now I have hardly any pain at all. I have regular aches and pains that everyone has at some times. No problem.
My pain receptors and dopamine, etc. receptors must have been really screwy. Messed up! It took me a while to feel mentally good at all. But having been prepared for that, I hung in there until I came back to myself. And thank God in heaven I found this site. Coming here to read and post kept me on the right track, and still does. PAWS sucks, but I'm at just over 3 months and the worst is over for me. Still some ups and downs, but so is life for everyone!
PS- I came clean to my doctor and said no more opiates! I also told my pharmacist, and later when I started going, to my counselor. If you really want to quit, burn the bridges that will lead you back there. I used clonidine the first couple of weeks too, and benadryl and immodium. Those helped a lot.
You can do this too!!!!
My back pain eventually got worse over time on the pills, and my dosage got stronger and stronger.
Now the curious thing, when I decided to stop taking them (or I would die) I was scared not knowing what kind of pain I would feel. After physical w/d was subsiding, so was my back pain. That must have been about 10-14 days. Now I have hardly any pain at all. I have regular aches and pains that everyone has at some times. No problem.
My pain receptors and dopamine, etc. receptors must have been really screwy. Messed up! It took me a while to feel mentally good at all. But having been prepared for that, I hung in there until I came back to myself. And thank God in heaven I found this site. Coming here to read and post kept me on the right track, and still does. PAWS sucks, but I'm at just over 3 months and the worst is over for me. Still some ups and downs, but so is life for everyone!
PS- I came clean to my doctor and said no more opiates! I also told my pharmacist, and later when I started going, to my counselor. If you really want to quit, burn the bridges that will lead you back there. I used clonidine the first couple of weeks too, and benadryl and immodium. Those helped a lot.
You can do this too!!!!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 25
Joygirl,
I was very nervous to post here or even come back. I guess I was afraid the people would be mad, but after I had the courage to send a member a private message, she was open arms and not judgmental. She helped me to understand this is a safe place to come. Thank you SNST
Thank you for your reply. You are 100% correct about telling the dr, pharmacist and counselor and I'm going to be honest that freaks me out and I do not know what to do about that. I know that is the right thing to do for my future.
It's so good to hear that your pain went away. I can not recall my pain EVER feeling this bad. How was your clonidine prescribed? She gave me patches to wear for seven days and that was it. I felt like it really worked and also felt I needed it longer. Do you think having clonidine for a couple weeks is better? I wonder why she only gave me 7 days? I also used Benadryl, prescription for stomach cramps and Imodium. The restless legs was the worst! My counselor told me that's how they got the saying "kicking the habit" ( I think she's the one who said it)
Today I tried not taking any pills and I was dripping sweat with goosebumps, cold chills. The clonidine makes a huge difference! I am scared that when I go tomorrow to my counselor I will be a chicken and not tell her, therefore I won't be able to ask her and if I don't.... I won't do it. I'm scared to tell her, scared to ask her for her help again. I'm scared she will say no or be mad. I'm ashamed.
I was telling SNST on here that I don't have any friends because they are all gone to heroine, my father is passed away, my mom and I have a rocky relationship, my brother is an alcoholic, sister is way to busy. I am married but he is gone a lot and I don't want to bother him with it. This site is all I have.
I was very nervous to post here or even come back. I guess I was afraid the people would be mad, but after I had the courage to send a member a private message, she was open arms and not judgmental. She helped me to understand this is a safe place to come. Thank you SNST
Thank you for your reply. You are 100% correct about telling the dr, pharmacist and counselor and I'm going to be honest that freaks me out and I do not know what to do about that. I know that is the right thing to do for my future.
It's so good to hear that your pain went away. I can not recall my pain EVER feeling this bad. How was your clonidine prescribed? She gave me patches to wear for seven days and that was it. I felt like it really worked and also felt I needed it longer. Do you think having clonidine for a couple weeks is better? I wonder why she only gave me 7 days? I also used Benadryl, prescription for stomach cramps and Imodium. The restless legs was the worst! My counselor told me that's how they got the saying "kicking the habit" ( I think she's the one who said it)
Today I tried not taking any pills and I was dripping sweat with goosebumps, cold chills. The clonidine makes a huge difference! I am scared that when I go tomorrow to my counselor I will be a chicken and not tell her, therefore I won't be able to ask her and if I don't.... I won't do it. I'm scared to tell her, scared to ask her for her help again. I'm scared she will say no or be mad. I'm ashamed.
I was telling SNST on here that I don't have any friends because they are all gone to heroine, my father is passed away, my mom and I have a rocky relationship, my brother is an alcoholic, sister is way to busy. I am married but he is gone a lot and I don't want to bother him with it. This site is all I have.
Marcher
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,235
Heartsmiles,
First, I took clonidine, oral pills, daily for 2 or 3 weeks. Low dose, I don't remember what dose. I had tried the patch, but it lowered my pressure too much. The RLS, that is one of the worst things! Hot baths, lots!, and some nights I literally got out of bed and walked around kicking the air! That only lasted a few days for me, thankfully.
If I could, I would show you a picture of you in your clean life, a few months from now. It would probably look a lot like me and SNST. And you would not hesitate to do this for one more second. You would see yourself physically looking healthier, happier. You would feel real peace and happiness again. You would feel motivated to do things you haven't even thought about in so long. You would be smiling with confidence, glowing with pride in your accomplishment. You would really appreciate life and all its beauty. You would still have problems, but you would be able to work out solutions. You would be grateful.
Just picture it in your head, since I can't show it to you. Do you want that? It's yours!
Please don't be nervous or afraid. Those will hold you back. Fear is a lie. You do have courage, you posted here, you pm'd a member, you answered me. Your doctors will help you, that's their job. But I, like you, also feared their reaction to me, their disappointment or anger. I was very ashamed. They showed me none of that. They helped me, some even congratulated me, no joke, for wanting to do this. I didn't expect that at all. Give it a chance.
Your life is worth it. You will realize it's the best decision you've made for yourself in a long time and it will feel soooo good.
Whatever you decide, you are welcome here! We will support you if you want it! Lots of wonderful people here who know what you're going through and do care.
This site is all I have, too! And here I am!
First, I took clonidine, oral pills, daily for 2 or 3 weeks. Low dose, I don't remember what dose. I had tried the patch, but it lowered my pressure too much. The RLS, that is one of the worst things! Hot baths, lots!, and some nights I literally got out of bed and walked around kicking the air! That only lasted a few days for me, thankfully.
If I could, I would show you a picture of you in your clean life, a few months from now. It would probably look a lot like me and SNST. And you would not hesitate to do this for one more second. You would see yourself physically looking healthier, happier. You would feel real peace and happiness again. You would feel motivated to do things you haven't even thought about in so long. You would be smiling with confidence, glowing with pride in your accomplishment. You would really appreciate life and all its beauty. You would still have problems, but you would be able to work out solutions. You would be grateful.
Just picture it in your head, since I can't show it to you. Do you want that? It's yours!
Please don't be nervous or afraid. Those will hold you back. Fear is a lie. You do have courage, you posted here, you pm'd a member, you answered me. Your doctors will help you, that's their job. But I, like you, also feared their reaction to me, their disappointment or anger. I was very ashamed. They showed me none of that. They helped me, some even congratulated me, no joke, for wanting to do this. I didn't expect that at all. Give it a chance.
Your life is worth it. You will realize it's the best decision you've made for yourself in a long time and it will feel soooo good.
Whatever you decide, you are welcome here! We will support you if you want it! Lots of wonderful people here who know what you're going through and do care.
This site is all I have, too! And here I am!
Nothing is impossible!
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: EAGAN
Posts: 792
Originally Posted by Heartsmiles 
Well, IF I didn't relapse, I would have been a year sober this month. I just wasted another year of my life.
Now I am back going through withdrawal at 3 am. I know what to expect with withdrawls, it's all the crazy emotions I obviously could not deal with and I am so afraid of it happening again.
I know it's going to happen and recently saw a post on here Referring to PAWS. Does anyone have advice on dealing with PAWS?
My poison is pain pills.. Opioid
Also, was wondering if anyone knows from experience how long it takes the body to repair itself as far as feeling physical pain?
The last time I did this I was not thinking ahead. I stupidly thought that after the withdrawls, I was going back to normal......I could not have been more wrong!
That was a huge mistake I made. I prepared like crazy for the withdrawls but did NOT prepare for what was to come & it just made me feel so crazy because I was oblivious about was happening.
Now I am back going through withdrawal at 3 am. I know what to expect with withdrawls, it's all the crazy emotions I obviously could not deal with and I am so afraid of it happening again.
I know it's going to happen and recently saw a post on here Referring to PAWS. Does anyone have advice on dealing with PAWS?
My poison is pain pills.. Opioid
Also, was wondering if anyone knows from experience how long it takes the body to repair itself as far as feeling physical pain?
The last time I did this I was not thinking ahead. I stupidly thought that after the withdrawls, I was going back to normal......I could not have been more wrong!
That was a huge mistake I made. I prepared like crazy for the withdrawls but did NOT prepare for what was to come & it just made me feel so crazy because I was oblivious about was happening.
Yeah, the best I can say about pause is to recognize it and to not invest to much into your thoughts and feelings while in PAWS. Whenever I get it, I remember its temporary and to not make any big decisions while in it.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 25
Well, last night pretty much sucked bad. With all the kicking I did, I'm shocked my couch is still in one peice! I'm very tired. Went this morning and got the restless legs stuff and I Pray it works. It was very bad last night. Something weird that is happening this time that did not happen last time is I have a very sore throat. Hard to swallow. Any ideas about that.
I just feel like complete crap!
I just feel like complete crap!
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
