All in Recovery...Is this normal??

[raspberrybaret]

I quit taking lortabs 3/21/07 after tapering with the help of this site.  I am not feeling any physical withdrawls, but I seriously feel like s**t.  I have no energy and just feel really, really "down" all the time.  I hate it that I know what it felt like to take those pills.  I was so talkative and outgoing while on them.  Now I feel like a waste of space.  Is this normal?  Will I feel better anytime soon?  This feeling makes me want to take pills again!!

[athena-8]

Scott is right; it's PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawl SYndrome). You will probably feel much better is you Goggle this and read more about it. Also Google the author/addiction specialist "Gorski"; he has done some amazing work in this specific area of addiction (he's also a recovering addict which to me is most comforting). Good Luck. Hang in there. it really really really will pass. and remember: Your Feelings are Not Facts. Don't hold the scary, dark ones hostage. Let them go so you have space for better ones. Best of luck, friend. This too shall pass.

[worstmotherever]

wow I got a 21 on the Endorphin deficiency quiz. been feeling like complete and total **** since quitting tramadol in October...

anybody know if pregnant women can take all that stuff?

if so, can I start taking the stuff before I quit the vicodin? will that make it easier?

[CATUF]

ARE YOU CATECHOLAMINE-DEFICIENT??

1.  Is either cocaine or amphetamines your drug of choice?  
Yes= 5 points

2.  Do you smoke cigarettes, or use nicotine in any form?
       Up to 1 pack/day = 1 point
       2 Packs/day = 2 points
       3 Packs/day or more = 3 points

3.  If you have used marijuana, does it excite you or have a

[CATUF]

It's more than normal, it's almost a given for anyone who goes beyond very minor dependence.  In my opinion the key to feeling good is restoration of brain chemistry, which gets completely SNAFU'd during active addition and which was likely off before then.

I've often cited to the book "End Your Addiction Now," by Charles Gant.  This morning I actually brought it in to work and started typing up the several questionnaires it has strating in chapter 5 that are designed to tell you what neurotransmitter deficiencies you suffer from and what to take for them.  I just finished the one that's most likely to apply to opiate addicts, that tests for Endorphin deficiency, so I'll post it:

1.  Are heroin, Darvon, codeine, methadone or other opiates
    your drug of choice?
Yes = 5 points

2.  Have you had difficulty stopping the use of painkilling drugs
     such Darvon, codeine, methadone or other opiates?
Yes = 3 points

3.  Do you use drugs or alcohol to carve out a respite or
     "time out" from a very busy, active life?
Yes = 4 points

4.  Do you have a history of being overly responsible or
     time-urgent, or going from crisis to crisis in your life?
Yes = 2 points

5.  Are you troubled by chronic pain, such as back
     pain or headaches?
Yes = 2 points

6.  Do you have difficulty enjoying pleasurable experiences
     much of the time (and not just when you

[HUBBY CHOO]

Interesting, I'll research. THX  Whats up Roof? Hope all is good besides the obvious, Persian??

Later

Choo

[rooftrash]

Thanx Brother!I feel a little better just knowing what might be going on.Tomorrow will be three weeks and i figured i would be a lot better than i am.I'm healing after knee sugery and that isnt helping because i still hurt but refuse to take any pills.I guess we all need more time.I Pray just a little.Thanx again.Bruce

[raspberrybaret]

Thanks for all the input.  After going through the physical withdrawls I looked forward to this feeling of happiness and being thankful to have my life back.  I have to face reality that this is going to take longer than I thought.  Thanks again.

[Mis Take]

appreciate the post.  It will def. help me!!

[ScottQuit021907]

It's called PAWS and it is very real. I'm about 6 weeks into my recovery now and I still have zero energy, mild depression, mild anxiety, and some infrequent insomnia. Do I feel pretty good? Absolutely. Do I feel absolutely great and bouncing off the walls with enthusiasm? Not even close.

Trust me - it's just the PAWS and it will go away, or so I'm told.

[rooftrash]

OMG!I have been on this site for days.trying to find someone in the same boat.I went C/T off Just 80Mg of hydro.I still feel alot of bad feelings.ie depression,no energy,shakey feeling inside like i have a nerve disorder now.I have tryed to feel better by drinking and it made it worse.i quit the hydro on the 19th and slipped up on about 26th and only took a total of 40mg.maybe i am in w/d's still i dont know.but it has to quit or i will have to see my doc for some antidepressants.i tryed xanax clonapin for my nerves and it seemed to be worse after it wore off.I'm a trainwreck .Let me know how you feel in the next couple days maybe i just need more time.Thanx