Physical appearance improvements off the pills?

[jonjon79]

I'm on day 26 off being off and on for a decade of vicodin, morphine, norcos, oxycontin, tramadal and a few others. I'm beginning to notice I'm more concerned about my physical appearance lately and even my wife notices something is different about me. She sees me ironing my clothes before going out and mocks me for being worst than a lady. I even played hooky from work on this beautiful Monday to go see a movie with my wife and clothes shopping for myself lol. I can't remember the last time I bought clothes for myself, I would always just wear clothes I got as xmas and birthday gifts but now I feel like I'm in High School all over again. When I was on pills I remember I use to always criticize people on why they need to look good or take so long getting ready, it's like who's gonna even care? Right? but I've learned it matters the way "I" feel about myself.

On top of that I've noticed my skin looking alot better, unexplained rashes and bruises are going away. My skin is less dry now. I want to say my color tone looks less pale and like a zombie lol and I think my breath even smells alot better than before. This could be a coincidence such as my skin looking better due to the weather, or from the fact that I'm taking vitamins and amino acids religiously and eating more healthy.

I was just curious if any of you have similar stories and hope this helps to give people trying to quit an incentive for staying off once and for all. Good luck everybody!

[pepper1107]

The weird thing that I have realized is whether it is hungry or craving a pill my body really felt the same.  So if I was hungry and took a pill I would be ok.  That's when I said to myself "Is anything hurting you?, "  When I realized my answer was No, it hurt like heck and I then knew I was addicted.  So now when a craving hits I talk to myself and say "Nothing is hurting you, you are just craving a drug you know longer need or want"  Said it about 10 times yesterday,  Hoping one day I won't have to so much.

[dominosarah]

I like elephants too but they look better grey than i do!!

I ate massive amounts of ice cream while i was using.  I normally dont eat that either.  I couldnt get enough sugar.....it was awful.

[jonjon79]

You hit it right on the nail gizzy with the "rebirth". I have everything ahead of me and feel like I'm going through a renaissance of my own.

Life is good although I happen to like elephants ;)

Pepper I was like you in which the opiates made me eat alot more and very unhealthy. My face looked fat and bloated and despite all that, I even didn't feel guilt after eating like a pig because I would take pills right after and think nothing of it. I guess the point of all this is that the pills did indeed have an effect on our appearance because they were distorting the way we think about ourselves.

[gizzy32]

I have posted about this same thing a couple times here. My appearance has changed a lot since i quit dope. I have gained 30 lbs( much needed) and I know longer look like death. I was so pale, skinny and black circles under my eyes in active use, now I am looking good, LOL. I can look at myself in the mirror and not hate what I see. Quitting drugs is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves, it's like a rebirth:)

CONGRATS on almost a month clean and it will keep getting better, just keep your guard up ok.

[pepper1107]

Congrats on the 26 days!  Although I am only 4 days hopefully going on a million, I am encouraged and I am glad you posted .  Last year the first time I noticed I was in trouble was my appearance,  specifically my weight, which I never could really gain.  Suddenly I was gaining weight and my clothes looked horrible.  I never noticed the amount of sodas, and candy I was eating.  I read after that opiates make you crave sugar.  I began taking amino acids and that's when I began my plan to get off.  I changed my diet.  I noted what my triggers were to take the pills and began eliminating or replacing solutions to them.  I wanted to give myself the best chance to quit and control the urge to relapse.  Now it's time to see if this plan works.  I am scared but determined!  Thank you for posting and giving some insight on what being free really means.

[dominosarah]

I had the color of an elephant and my skin was like a lizard along with bloodshot eyes and bags under them.  Now my color is human looking, my skin is soft and eyes are bright.  My hair is shiny and healthy.  Life is good!!  Congrats on looking good and feeling good!!!     sara