After care for after tramadol

[Missy1231984]

What exactly is after care?  Does it mean therapy and group meetings?  Anti depression or anti anxiety meds? My family does not know about my problem and I want to figure out how to get support for when I'm off these terrible pills(tramadol).  What does everyone do to stay clean, fight cravings, and live a fulfilling life after withdrawal?  

[Sonrissa]

Yes, AA/NA meetings are free. I believe that there is an 800, toll free number you can call and they will help you find a close and convenient meeting. That's what I did. Also, check out your local church, or any nearby church for substance abuse groups. Many churches have some sort of program. Maybe you can talk to your doctor for some information or a referral for counseling. There are lots of programs, many of them free, out there. Don't give up. It will be so worth it for you.

[Missy1231984]

Ugh, it's so overwhelming going through all the listings.  I'm in a some what big city and googled NA meetings.  There are a bunch but it's hard to know which one to go to.  NA meetings are free right?  Are there any other groups like that, that aren't NA?  

[jifmoc]

Missy, start googling meetings near you. That's a good start:)

[Missy1231984]

How did everyone go about finding a group and a therapist to help you with after care?  Did you just get on google or did someone recommend where to go.  I really want help with this but don't know how to go about finding it.  

[PurrfectlyKrazy]

Sonrissa really hit the nail on the head for trying to explain aftercare.  There are many forms of aftercare including NA meetings, there are a couple of excellent groups online that you can join, many churches have support for substance abuse (in fact that is one of my aftercare programs....weekly sessions with my pastor because we live in such a small place that we only have 2 NA meetings monthly).

Aftercare is really the most important part of getting and staying clean.  Next to that the important thing is to get rid of all temptation in your life.  Let your doctor know you are clean and don't want any opiates (or whatever drug you are on) any more.  Get rid of so-called friends who are enablers or suppliers.  Throw away any unused drugs.

The brain really teases us addicts....it wants that drug back and it will present in many forms...including cravings, depression, anxiety and strange waves of pain.  This does pass but it takes time while your brain is straightening itself out again and learning to do without the drug.  That's why an addict needs aftercare.  It is so, so easy to relapse.  Those of us that are determined to stay clean will do anything we can to support ourselves.  

We have someone in here who always says this is not a "me" situation but a "we" situation and it is so, so true.  The more support you have the easier it will be.

[Sonrissa]

Hi Missy,  the way I think of aftercare, is like when you go on a diet and lose a bunch of weight. Once you reach your goal weight, you then go on maintenance to keep the weight off. Aftercare is like being on a maintenance diet. It is long term, support to help keep you clean and sober from whatever substance. There are several options for aftercare such as AA/NA meetings, therapy, counseling, church groups, etc.  Aftercare, is a very important step (some would say the most important step) in the process of getting and staying clean. I hope this helps. Best wishes.

[jifmoc]

Oh man...best question!!! Aftercare is whatever we do to keep sober and sane after stopping pills. Usually it's NA/AA. But some folks on here do other things.

A fulfilling life? I think that's the daily work whether you're an addict or not. But, peeps w/ more time than me could chime in w/ better info. I'm still newly clean. My experience thus far: I quit pills over a year ago and did not do anything for support. Slowly but surely went back to using almost regularly when I got beyond disgusted and stopped. Been over 2 mos.(68 days) clean and I have gone to a meeting every single one of those days. I still find it weird and I don't understand it all, but since my active using, this is the longest I've ever gone. And more importantly, I don't feel totally depressed, anxious, slugglish. That's a miracle in itself. It's been hard, there are still cravings, intense ones, but for now I have to tolerate them and not act on them. People tell me they mostly pass the more clean time we have.

I hope that helps. Good for you for asking and being open!!