Anyone awake ?

[allaboutmary]

Just wondering if anyone is awake now?  It's about 3:30 here and I can't sleep. Have been having alot of anxiety and I'm not even off the pills yet.

[troubleinohio]

Mary I remember posting the exact same question not long ago! About a week into this I think! I think i titled it something like "feeling discouraged" or something like that because thats how I felt at the time. I remember reading a lot of posts at that time about people who were still having problems many months into recovery and it scared me. But you know what? There were just as many positive posts about others feeling great with the same amount of time under their belts. I chose not to see those, I think. My addiction only wanted me to see the negative so it could add fuel to the fire and fight for its life. It wanted me to think that the outcome would be so horrible, so absolutely terrible, even months into it, that I should just not quit the pills at all, why bother! When in reality there are lots of people who do very good soon into detox. And at 29 days out today I am still doing great! Its all relative- I am very anemic and have alot of things wrong with me as Im sure you know by now, youve been reading posts here long enough to know, so Im not gonna keep repeating myself here. The bottom line is, it can be done, you can do this, and dont let your addiction spook you and try to make you think of all the negatives. You have to change  your entire attitude and way of thinking in order to succeed. Hang in there, you can do this Mary. Magi too!    

[jim811]

Hi....I'm through with my taper...I was tapering for a little over 3 weeks and used my cell as an alarm to tell me when I needed to dose.  When I could go 8 hours with no meds, I jumped off.  Today is day 8 and exercising, working, eating right, vitamins, lots and lots of fluids has really helped.  I stopped counting the days...had t think about what day I was on.  I agree with everyone else....narcotics will kill you or at minimally, destroy everything you've worked for, i.e. family, friends, home, etc...

Peace,

Nick

[allaboutmary]

Thanks for the responces.  Actually I snuck off and tried to go back to sleep.lol

[lonote]

I can't sleep either, so looks like you aren't alone. I also take suboxone. I've taken it since last May. I'm ready to get off of it and am taking one half under my tounge every other day. Sometimes every three days. I'm not experiencing any horrible wd's, but then I'm not totally off it yet. yes, everyone goes on it short term, or at least most people and have very good results, but reading their stories, its a little tough afterwards, so they suggest meetings also. But listen to your doctor, see what he recommends how long you stay on it. I did drugs too long and wasn't comfortable going off it any sooner. Now  I'm ready for the next phase which is finding a meeting i'm comfortable with for the extra support. Just remember everyone's different, and you'll find some energy soon after this ordeal.   take care.   Cathy

[Robin6298]

Hi Allaboutmary.  I'm awake as well.  I'm keeping watch over my 10 year old son.  He's been quite sick with cold symptoms & spiking fevers for the past two days.  Ugh!  I was one of the people who posted, asking about lack of motivation, energy.  I was using Tylenol #4 (Tylenol w/codiene) It's only been about 5 weeks clean for me, after about 13 years of daily use, so it's still early.  However, one man wrote that he's still struggling with this after being clean two years.  I wish that I had more answers for you & myself.  This aside, continuing to take narcotics isn't the answer either.  Sooner or later, this will totally ruin your health, then take your life.  I lost one friend to narcotic addiction some time ago.  She was denial & 'didn't have a problem'.  She accidentally OD & died.  She left behind two small kids.  So, get off them ASAP.  I've read some good success stories from others here who tapered down their doses before quiting, to avoid a totally horrid withdrawal.  This didn't work for me, but I used for 13 years, much longer than most here.  Some bite the bullet and go cold turkey.  Either way, get off them, period.  There are non-narcotic meds out there that help you through the initial withdrawal.  Get clean & see where the road takes you. You may not have lack of energy as an end result.  I've read posts here where people feel pretty darn good after getting clean. Residual lack of motivation or not, it's sure better, healthier than using.  The alternative is a slow, but sure death, sooner or later.  Even though I feel listless, I don't regret getting clean, not for one moment, and I'll never go back to using again.  I'm clear headed, my appetite is much better, and so is my sex-life.  There are lots of other small improvements in other areas too.  So, take the plunge. Take care & let us know how you make out.  Best of wishes.

[allaboutmary]

Are you still tapering ?  I tried but to taper, but with no sucsess.  Did you start using again because of the lack of energy ?  That is so great going to the gym every morning. You obivously have more self control than I.
Mary

[jim811]

Hi & Good Morning...

I get up at 4am to hit the gym at 5....you are right about the loss of energy.  When I went ct a couple of years ago (8-10 percs a day) I was still tired almost 3 months later...yuk and I had a very stressful job position.  This time I went the taper, began working out and really eating well.  I get some sleep, 6-8 hours a night, and feel reasonably good :-)  I'll feel better as soon as I have my first cup of java...

I try to listen to my body and provide the healthy stuff only and I don't let my mind play tricks...if my head starts to get out of control, I start reading this forum for a dose of reality...

Peace,

Nick

[allaboutmary]

O.K. gonna start talking to myself. lol   Here goes......
I have read so many people that have months and years clean, complain of lack of energy. Some even after years of being clean say they lack motivation and energy.  This is a huge fear of mine.  I guess with all the pills I have taken for going on 5 years I need to accept that I might have some long term damage. I think if I can come to grips with this and expect less, I will do better in my recovery.
I go for Suboxone on Wed. and everyone says to get off it quick to avoid terrible withdrawals from it.  My fear is that it will work and I will not want to get off it and face the years of laziness. I so want to be social again. I have stopped seeing friends and become such a hermit. I want to start living again.
Well I should probably be putting this in my journal instead of just rambling on here.