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I have no idea what feeling normal is supposed to feel like. I am constantly feeling crazy like I'm going to lose my mind at any moment.
I do have some brief moments of peace where I can honestly see how crazy my pill seeking behaviour was and how much better I feel now. Unfortunately the feeling doesn't last that long though and I start feeling nuts again.
Maybe it's just part of the process. I can certainly relate though I am constantly obsessing about how I feel.
Golden Slipper
This shall also pass, please trust me on that one.
More separation from your last pill will provide the means; then the next thing you will know is, you actually will be living your life again(ie. moved on).
Stay strong people, and try not to think TOO MUCH.
Percs
I forced myself to the gym, no matter how lethargic I felt; so to answer the timing question, Id have to say things really improved after 3 weeks. It took me a couple months before I didn't THINK how much energy I needed to play with the kids, work around the house ,etc. That kind of happened without me even realizing it.....
I'm sure the loss of employment doesn't help your situation, but as you've pointed out, keeping yourself busy is critical. Hey, you didn't lose only a job, you lost an all-consuming pill habit at the same time(great trade off in my books).
Thomas and many others have pointed out how important exercise(in whatever form) is, I couldn't agree more!!!
Keep fighting, IT WILL GET BETTER!!!
Yup, good trade off considering my new boss was adding majorly to my continuing the pills. Very much a jerk.....
JEW, I hear ya on the sneezing and how about that yawning all the time (gotten a little better since the first week) but my nose has been stuffed up for 2 weeks and I am afraid to take anything for it for fear of addiction and the "jitters" that sinus meds do.
I do have to say that I do have a slight, ever so slight, desire now to not to sweat the small stuff, hard to explain but before I was a little anal retentive about keeping the house clean and making sure everyone is happy. I have a little relief in that I am caring about myself right now and actually I feel a little guilty about it. I am afraid my live-in won't want the new me that is not "here to please".
FINISHED!!
the posts today have really helped me to stand back and just take it one day at a time--all of you on this forum seem to come through at just the right time--Queen--you are not alone-prayers and peace--much thanks n.o.lady
N.O. Lady - wow 36 days!! That's great....I can't wait until I get there. I hear ya though. Go on with life, pleasing others was my life now what? At this point I am, ok all cards on the table...I am living with my boyfriend that has 3 boys, 11-8-5. I help him take care of them. They are like my own, most of the time, you see I do have 2 of my own that live with their father, he had more money at time of divorce than I did, honestly, didn't lose them due to any kind of unfitness or anything like that. I see them every other weekend. I live right now to help take care of my boyfriends kids and to see mine every 2 weeks. What am I moving on to???
***@****
teeitup!
Yes we have addictive personalities and so anything can become an obsession with us. But...this is wut the success of the 12 step program is all about i think. To direct those compulsive/ obsessive tendancies into something positive like helping others get/ stay clean! Wut a meaningful way to be consumed with life.. helping others!
This board is the same. Some non-addicts (sig others, etc) think well once u get off drugs./ alcohol u need to get away from all this stuff.. but that is quite the opposite as AA has proven! Staying in touch with those who are seeking help reminds us of the horror we went thru, the grip it has on others'/ had on our lives and it helps to keep us drug/ alcohol free!
Peace,
Suzie
Thomas
Peace!
Suzie
ANTHONY HOPE U DONT MIND THIS POST! Please forgive m if you do! SUZIE HUGS YA!
FINISHED!!
-Anthony
Talk about horror and fear and despair!
Remember my horror story and i was DAYUM lucky in the end!
Peace and conviction to your gentle strong soul!
Suzie
The bible says that if you decide to feed that addiction again that the hungry little devils will bring some friends. Maybe that's why we build up such a tolerence---Too many mouths to feed.
God bless,
B'Belt
Almost all my questions were answered..........CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!
I would have been 21 day's clean today BUT this weekend I went to the darkside. So I'm at day 2 again...It's a never ending battle it seems.
For anyone thinking suicide--THINK ABOUT eternal w/d's with NO WAY OUT. We're fighting a spiritual battle. You must tell God that you can't do it without Him. If you haven't accepted Jesus do that. The devil hates all of us . That is why those pills are such great liars. He is the father of lies.He gets you to take one to stop pain of guilt, then makes you feel guility for taking it.
God loves you and me---and yes He's disappointed because I opened the door once again, but I'm His child,as you are, so He forgives. You've got to quit one day ---let it be now. I'm talking to BOTH you and me.
I honestly feel better when my system is free of this poison. I know that's hard to believe. Even knowing that, I've continued to get back on those liars. I'm really not as dumb as my actions indicate, nor are any fighting this battle. Doesn't that tell you that it has to be spiritual?
The devil came to steal,kill, and destroy. These lying narcotics help him do all very well. Come on Bungee ,Let's do it together. I just prayed for you as many on this site are doing.
I really agree with Thomas' Plan. It will help.
B'Belt
Thanks again for praying for me I need it
I have an un-supportative partner and he sees my addiction as a flaw and not a disease, it's alot harder with no support. That's why I am here and getting better every day from everyone.....
Suzie
when we get rid of the drugs we are left with
a void. we have to fill the void with somethingto me it is a question of substitution.
i had afreind who was driving himself a little nutty drinking
around 4 to 6 cups of coffee in the morning and he was having
a problem stopping, so when he asked me for advice i said
when you get up in the morning drink 4 tall glass's of orange juice, he too k my advice and was able to cut down to one
cup of coffee in the morning.
so i guess replacing our addiction to pills with anything
positive is a plus.
we are extreemest ,we have the tendency to take things to one extreem or the other ,that is the nature of the addictive
personality.
we also have a strong tendency to measure ourselves the problem taking that to an extreem is we wind up beating ourseves with the measureing stick.
we need to take it easy, there is that book that comes to mind
ALL WE EVER NEED TO KNOW IN LIFE IS WHAT WE LEARNED IN KINDERGARDEN.
be nice, don't steal, lie or cheat, don't hit people,
eat your meals etc etc,
peace !!!!!!!!!hippy
I have been here alot the last few days and that is why I asked if I can become addicted to my recovery.......
Angel
Finished - sneezing! I'm with you. Know just what your talking about.
Nod
A truly bad thing could happen with your recovery, NO Lady, and that would be for you to recover and completely detox and then forget about that "battle for your soul" part that you mentioned.
May I say to you that IMHO, God has a plan for everyone, as I have mentioned before here, I think a lot of us are here for a reason - someone is trying to get our attention.
I will make this statement - if you truly think that your higher power helped you out of Hydro hell, try this - get even closer now that you are out. Ask questions of Him, do a little reading - find out Who this higher power is. Go seek Him, he will answer, I promise.
I can tell you that when you draw closer to Him, He definitely draws closer to you. And then you may find that this journey you have been on was all worth it in the end...
I pray that you find that answer...
Rex
Rex
Peace and love,
Suzie
Please feel free to email me at:
***@****
To anyone seeking info on my experience, they can read about the most important factor - God in my life in my posts. To those that are offended, I assume they are not reading my posts anyway once they read the words Christ, God, or Jesus.
Many here including Hippee, Finished, Tee and others will share the same message. Others will share practical answers as these are important components of recovery as well. Together this forum is providing a pretty comprehensive resource.
Everyone who visits here has a down arrow on the keyboard, I am assuming. I try and direct my Christian posts to those seeking such info. When others read my posts, they should know that God is just as important (and more) as L-Tyrosine, hotbaths, or Valium, for me anyway. They will get other suggestions from others ;-)
Are you worried we are getting too Christian? Ok, cool.:)
Rex
Why are you taking the Ativan - is it for anxiety? Have you talked this over with a second opinion doc.
Many here have more xperience with ativan than I although I have taken this to help with anxiety and to taper off Hydrocodone and it helped. But it also really changes my mood.
Are you exercising regulary, or are you able too? This often helps with anxiety as many here will tell you.
Others will reply. But your not - repeat NOT - alone. We have a pretty active community here. so look aroun some of the archives and don't feel afraid to jump in to some of the posts.
Have you read about the Fleetwoord mac singer Steve Nicks? she was on a sister drug - Klonopin - for a long time. finally kicked it though. Here's a web post on it.
http://www.benzo.org.uk/nicks.htm
Good luck and welcome
Rex
-------------------------
Stevie Nicks
You're so right we are here for a reason. I've known the spiritual truth for almost 30 years and still looked to the pills for my joy. Don't you know I've suffered guilt. Tell people about Jesus and take my head medicine. I know God forgives me and like you said earlier,Rex I hope now the prodical son has come home.
By the way N.O. I'm not religious but I am spiritual and as you can see a weak man saved by grace. My weakness will magnify His Strenght. For anyone turned off to the truth,ask yourself why? And the lady is so right someone is after your soul. By the way to the sweet lady who said she is saved but not a practicing Christian, We're all the same. I don't practice anymore than you I just want people to seek the truth.
God's love to all--My real battle starts tomorrow and Satan won't be too happy with my post. Pray for old B'Belt. We're in a war a lot more serious than Iraq.
B'Belt
PEACE!
Suzie
tf
if it gets and keeps you sober - that is the goal no matter what. whatever helps you - religion, exercise, your profession, loved ones or just doing it for yourself. and all these experiences should be shared. i would just prefer to think of this board as a board to help people through the many experiences of others.
not just ONE experience that many believe is the only way.
no offense is meant to any by this post, these are just my thoughts.
R
id get some more. Got tired of faking the pains... I think I faked so much my body started beleive I was in pain!!!!!!!!!! Thnks for listening! God Bless.. J.E.W.
O O
<
\_/
I may have lost my memory but my sense of humor is back. Don't worry the forgetfullness goes away little by little. I do understand the frustration it brings. I thought I was permanently brain damaged! I'm ok now though I think.
Sorry I didn't post today got to busy and now my son just woke up so I gotta go. I'm proud of you!
Rex your faith is a big help to me and I love how your not afraid to express it.
Erika I read your post earlier and did say a prayer hope tommorow is better.
ok ok sons crying now gotta be a mommy but I love snuggles with him so here comes one of those moments we live for.
FINISHED!!
What you posted, I've been thinking about for some time.
Agreed, whatever works do it; however I have also been concerned (supported by people e-mailing me) with the additional passages from the Bible, etc.; specifically for the people that come here "brand new", and perhaps haven't figured out their faith/higher power.....Nothing more disheartening, when these people have to sort through all of the scriptures to get to the posts about how to taper/cold turkey/etc.
percs
***@****
thx!
Suzie
Rex
Lifeisbetter---Thank you for the prayer I need it. Im not doing good at all. Lot of pain. Depressed. :(
I can't believe I read your Doctor just said Stop.; what an ass.
Being a nurse, I'm sure you are aware that abrupt cessation of benzos CAN BE dangerous.
I've only been on Ativan twice, and for short duration; and I am certainly no doctor, but the people that I know who successfully got of Ativan(and Xanax), were switched first to a longer acting benzo., like Valium; then slowly tapered off. The tapering was over several months(I don't recall from what doses).
Please Take Care
NOD: good job on the taper, and day 1-2!!!
week over week, are you improving, or is it more like rolling, where you 3 bad dayy, then three good?
Rex
Lifeisbetter: I live 5 minutes from Sultan Basin Road. Is weird huh? I hate the Eastside. Lots of snobs huh? I think so... Thats why I like living in the country. Solitude. Its definatly what I need right now. Maybe we can meet someday! :)
erika
I see no HOPE.... Im lost
P.S. One thing I cant stop thinking about is arthritis has set into my left knee pretty bad and I know I will have to have surgery in a year for that. THen what? I dont know If I told either of you before but I have two wrist fusions two finger replacements already and Im frickin 31. Sorry Im feeling sorry for myself. I cant write Im crying right now. Ill write back later...
With all that pain girl, I can't say I blame you for wanting the relief. As I said before I no longer have pain (I am one of the lucky ones) and I can't imagine fighting this demon of addiction and having pain at the same time. You have to do what is best for you right now, tears all day and night is no way to live...all you can do is come here for support so that you can put some kind of control on the addiction side of the consumption of the pain meds.
I am here for ya!!!
Day 16 for me, I have the urges but not because of legit reasons like severe pain. Don't feel bad, you shouldn't have to suffer so bad.....keep in touch when you can...
to getting clean from drugs and helping others
i personally try to put my religious beleifs
aside and deal with addiction , some people beleive that
addiction is a moral problem others think it is a disease,
and still others just gluttony and sin.
i must say in all the years i have been dealing with adiction (addiction),
i do not have the perfect answer for defineing the problem.
each case is different.so of a situation ethics.
being a member of thre 12 step program n.a. which sees it as a spiritual problem.i have learned there to set aside my personal beleifs for the benifit of the newcomer, but my experence
still is I WENT TO N.A. TO SAVE MY ASS AND FOUND OUT IT WAS ATTACHED TO MY SOUL.
peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hippy
God Bless
i was just wonder how you came up with your handle j.e.w.
peace!!!!!!!!!
Plz do not feel guilty about seeking relief from sever chronic pain. You have proven u can detox.. now u need to find that delicate balance between pain relief no abuse of pain meds.
Suc a horrid deliemna we face if we have chronic pain and are also addicts.
I am sitting here now.. wiht a bad headache with essentially nothing to take. Got Dr. appointment Friday. My imitrex did not work. I have 2 more darvocet but i wonder if it just aggrevates em. I'll just go lie back down with my ice bag and pray it subsides.
Peace to your life!
Suzie
nice to read all your post, keep posting and keep
smileing.
peace !!!!!!!!!!hippy
Take care - nod
i know bout the sweats--if i wudda bottled mine, hell i cudda watered the hay fields from phoenix to L.A.
Went to AA a few times quit the everyday drinking and after a little bit convinced myself I could social drink only I was then going out almost every night. Duh!!!
Then I went to a dr for a broken tailbone (fell down when I was drunk on night) and he gave me Vic ES. Alot, with many refills and then each time I would go in his office I would get another script(he would write it) for alot with alot of refills...then I took more and the pharm would fill until 17 days ago, they caught on. I am glad they did. I told my dr and I told the pharm no more for me. If I had to make a label on myself as an addict because of it so be it.
You are an inspiration and one of the many people that have kept me strong thru this...and I thank you!!!
Tammy
I always did say "If only I could take that small part out of my brain that makes me an addictive personality I would be set"
How little did I know that I was not far from what they may actually be able to do....
Great thread. I have been investing a lot of time in the process of recovery. Of course, a lot less time than pursuing pills, dr. appointments, flunky pharmasists telling me I have to wait 3 days for them to legally fill the script. What a friggen joke and pathetic way for me to live. To have freedom from my active addiction and the slave to my addiction that I was, is as Mel Gibson screamed in Braveheart, FREEDOM!
It amazes me how long and just what I would do believing the lie of the drugs, the medical industry is in dire need of a major over haul. For that matter, so am I.
Well, I am at 45 days opiate free, hitting meetings, working steps with my sponser and actually feeling emotions again. It feels good to feel human again, a human with an attiude of gratitude and empathy for the newcomer. The great thing is I really feel the good, happy feelings, the flipside I REALLY feel the sad, regretful emotions too. Some sort of support group can be the difference between stopping for awhile or staying stopped.
For those of you beginning detox or in the middle of it, this board and the very special, caring people got me through the most horrible WD of my life. I CT off 400mgs of oxy and a 120mgs perc 325/10 per day for 8 months and have been on various opiates for the last two years. I couldn't leave the house for two weeks, still have moments of WD from the oxy. It takes so much courage and determination to stop opiates. Add a little faith and it can be done. My prayers are with you all.
rex- your right about the exercising, I started PT a month ago,it sparked my work out program. It is amazing how many ailments have gone away as a result of early morning walks and hitting the gym. My strength and endurance is increasing weekly.
hippy- Greetings, my friend. I just know someday our paths will cross and I look forward to the day I can meet you and say thanks for your generosity of one addict helping another.
percs- it is a conspiracy, oxy is a combo of heroin and methadone. They and you know who they are, are out to get as many people addicted as possible. Soylent Green is People. Old C Heston movie. The above statement about oxy is NOT true. See, I have got some humor back. I hope all is well with you, brother.
suzie- love and hugs to you, girl. You are an awesome lady who has helped more people than you know.
I will keep checking in with you all. I will always be grateful for the people on this board and med help for keeping this board open and uncensored, for the most part. Recovery is a process, just like addiction. There is no shame in relapse, the shame is not getting back to recovery ASAP. Once you get your life back, drug free for a period of time, you will not be able to use again and have the enjoyment the drugs origionally provided. Because once we cross that invisable line of addiction, the days of using successfully or as prescribed are over. Those who have to use meds for legitamate pain, my prayers are with you.
Strength and Honor
Greg
Suzie hugs ya!
also!
Peac e and hugs!
suzie
I read over our early posts, and all I can say is YOU ARE DOING IT.
As one of my friends reminded me, "This addiction is like a boxing match, when you think you have it licked, just remember, "IT'S regrouping in "IT'S" corner"; so stay strong and on the offensive!!!
percs
I have seen many posts from you for many days and I think we have only written twice directly to each other, wasn't sure your story. I now know you are a grandma but that is about it. Are you in detox, recovery, tapering, meth or what?
I am soooooooooo addicted to this forum, everytime I want a pill, I come here. Each day though, I get a project done and them come bach here as oppossed to every sec of the day.
There are sooo many wonderful, wonderful people on this forum, I think it was a549056(Tom) that said yesterday, it would be cool to get everyone in one location to meet in person...
I have issues of addiction and religion that I am getting help with on these forums and they are great!!
Tammy
be safe
linda
It is taking everything I have to type this right now. I got HIT big time with a flu/cold and I haven't eaten since Fri nite, every waking moment is a really, really bah headache. Boy, am I being tested and so is my relationship....My BF just went thru a week and a half of "flu like" symptoms with me now I am really and truely sick. Satan really wants me back doesn't he? I was just feeling really, really good and the very next day this hits me.
I have to say I am still clean...DAY 22!!!
Unless OTC cold meds don't count.
Thank you for checking on me, it really means alot to me..
How are you doing??
be safe
linda
Linda, I am proud of you...the cravings are worse when you know how close you are to the evil, it just makes you that much stronger when you know you have defeated that craving!!!
Tammy
Freedom of speech is the american way isn't it? Shouldn't being on this forum and sharing feelings be the utmost concern when it is truely helping others cuz I know b'belt has helped me probabley more than he realizes...pity things like this happen to good people.
Again, thanks for the kind words and the prays...
Tammy
Thank you all for your enspireing words. They have helped alot. And I can use more hands to hold to help me get through this. You can email me at ***@****
be safe
linda
Hugs -M
4mygirls, I know where you are with this nightmare addiction - been there too! Now, I did what you are doing with stopping the pills & feeling like **** for a couple of days then getting more pills and the "relief" from withdrawal hell for a few days, then got disgusted and would decide to stop again & the cycle would go on ... I created a living, drawnnnnn-out hell for myself. I finally got so sick of this on/off mess & started reading the posts at this forum. I swallowed the last pill on Sunday morning, Jan 5th & stuck it out. Now, the big kick in the a** for me was to realize that had I just stayed off initally and rode out the withdrawal for more than 2-3 days, I could have avoided ALOT of physical & emotional suffering. All I'm saying is this: you have to decide when to pull the brake and get off the roller-coaster & just decide for one day at a time that you won't take a pill (sometimes this starts hour by hour - well, it did for me) Take some time off & take lots of hot baths and in a short week (it will seem like a week of eternity at times - I won't lie) you'll be thru it and then just have to stay clean, day by day, but feeling better every day that you're clean from the hydro-hell.
Keep posting ...we're all here to help you & each other.
Hugs -M
Goodbye for now
be safe
linda