How long will this depression last

[Melb27]

I have been taking hydrocodone for twenty years now with only a four year break of sobriety. I have quit using and started back up numerous times. This time around I tapered down from only two 10mg per day down to nothing. Withdrawals for me this time seem to be lasting longer. It may sound crazy but I have had to take a half of pill a couple different times since I last quit due to a migraine headache. When I have taken these those couple times am I extending my withdrawal symptoms? I feel like I am doing great, however I have no energy, muscle weakness, and depression which seems to come and go. I would like to think my body has went through withdrawal despite the couple I had to take. It has been over a week now since I took one of the couple and I am just wondering if I am putting myself back to square one of withdrawals when I have had to take them? Any advice would be helpful. I am hoping this depression is related to withdrawals and that it's not the underlying cause for my dependency.

[clean_in_ks]

Depression is DEFINITELY a part of the withdrawal and healing process.
Our brain chemistry has been altered while using opiates.  After 20 yrs of using opiates....it is going to take some time for the natural processes of your brain to begin working naturally again.  I found a really good article that explains the 4 brain functions most affected....how we can help them heal...and what we can eat and do to assist in our brain's recovery.  While this link "is selling their supplements"....I found it SUPER helpful.  It breaks down so many aspects of what we go thru and how we can help ourselves.
Major congrats on your one week totally free of opiates...getting rid of ALL your pills and sources for pills will help immensely, too.  Here's that link if you're interested:

http://www.opiate-freedom-center.com/opioid-addiction-naturally-increase-your-bodies-endorphins-serotonin/

[gnarly_1]

Hi...well what your going threw is normal  you dont get over 20yrs of abuse in a month it takes time   it is critical that you stop taking the pills though  your brain will not begin to heal until the flow of opiets stops  you wont be back to square one but until the pills stop you put your recovery on hold you need to be opiet free for this to happen best bet is to get rid of the pills you have  it is way to tempting for most addicts if you have them    keep posting for support.....Gnarly

[Jerry198]

Welcome, And what you are feeling is normal for sure, many of us recover and detox at different speeds but if you head back and forth on your DOC then it could be harder for you.  the bottom line is your mind and body love what opiates provided and now you have taken them away and until something that sparks that oh so good feeling comes back around you could get headaches loss of energy etc. my advice would be cut the pill out when you feel the time is right and never look back. bets wishes.