Managing W/D symptoms

I went CT back in January 2007 and I have remained clean ever since.

What I was told when I went C/T is that the opiates had suppressed the adrenal glad
while I was taking pills.  During W/D the adrenal gland comes back to life and
pumps adrenaline into the system.  This is the cause of many of the W/D
symptoms such as sleeplessness, restless legs, and the feeling you just
are not able to relax.

The treatment I used was benadryl and motion sickness pills to settle down
the adrenal gland.  It helped, but I still had to go through the 10 days of
severe W/D and then the 3-4 months of recovery.   Again, W/D is a process,
not an event.

I never thought I would get through it...but, somehow I did.  After about a
year I was sleeping a full night, I was waking up refreshed, the energy was back, I was laughing again,
and I was taking on new challenges rather than just getting through the day.

I am only posting this message to help encourage all of you and let you know
it can be done.

Happy Trails,
GEORGE

[mimi1313]

Thank you George, that was a nice post. I didn't know that about the adrenal gland.

[missm2]

Thank you....I LOVE to hear success stories. Thats what keeps me going.

[Hope58]

Thanks George. I am on day 23 from quitting CT 3 years of tramadol. The bad WD symtoms (symptoms) are gone. I can sleep most nights and have almost stopped sneezing. And that CRAZY feeling is gone. BUT, I have very low energy. I think it is coming back slowly. Do you remember how long it took for you to have normal energy again? I do make myself exercise and get outside for fresh air, but I have to really push myself.
Thanks and Congrats on your recovery. You are an inspiration!
Hope

[1911]

Hi Hope...

I quit in January.  By March I was feeling enough energy to begin lap swimming...1 hour on M-W-F.  I've been doing that ever since.  

Exercise does help build energy.  You are on the right track with exercising and getting out in the fresh air.

Keep it up.  Pretty soon you will rediscover the old you.  

Happy Trails,
GEORGE  

[Rose703]

George thanks for such an uplifting post. I'm 25 days clean and it's nice to hear from someone who's been clean as long as you. Did you take any vitamins during the process? And if so what did you take? Thanks!!

[worried878]

Always nice to hear success stories..thanx george!