addiction

[Rick]

If one has been on narcotic medication like vicoden for 4 years
and has successfully withdrawled over 4 weeks how long before your body and mind start to function normal again?

When does the depression go away, how long before you become functional because it seems I get a little better everyday but
have a long way to go to feel physically and mentally normal.

[tom to rick]

first of all, congratulations if you've been vicodin-free for 4 weeks already! Boy, you're home free from a physical aspect. I'd recommend participating in at least one form of aerobic exercise, such as jogging, biking, lap swimming, cross-country ski-machining if you have one, step-mastering, any exercise that puts a large percentage of your muscle mass (your arms, legs, etc) in continuous motion with sustained high-rate of breathing for at least 20 uninterrupted minutes at least 3 days a week. This and good nutrition and vitamins will put your body right in no time. Aerobic exercise is also a good mood elevator and relaxer.

However, if you were psychologically addicted to vicodin, that is, you used it even when you didn't have pain just to sustain a high, and you're still craving the drug now, then you should contact an AA or any 12-step group and go to some meetings. This will rehabilitate the way you think about using vicodin and help you stay clean and focus your thoughts on constructive things.

But, hell, four weeks clean! For a lot of us on this forum that is a distant goal not yet attainable.

Anyway, that's my advice. Ask some more people. But think about what I've said. Good luck to you.

[Vicodin Gurrl to Dan]

Hello, I am new to this forum, and found it through searching under "Addiction".  I do not currently have one, and that is what I am writing about. I have had migraine headaches for as long as I can remember, and now have had for the past six months severe, debilitating chronic daily headaches as a result of a terribly "botched" lumbar puncture (actually numerous lumbar punctures repeated within one day!) and have sought help from a chronic pain specialist.  She has prescribed Oxycontin 40mg to take either 2x daily or up to every 8 hours if necessary.  She has also given me something called OxyIR which he told me is like Percocet without the Tylenol in it to take up 1-2 every 6 hours as needed for "breakthrough pain" .  I have been taking Vicodin for this pain, a lot every day in order to function.  I just started the other 2 medications listed above and they are making me very tired and extremely itchy, but not "high" really or anything like that.  The reason she took me off the Vicodin was because in the dose I was taking I was consuming too much Tylenol and this can cause liver damage (anywhere from 8-14 per day!).  Anyway, sorry for the long-windedness of this letter, but I am just wondering how likely is it that I will become completely dependant on these pills, and if so, how long can I take them before this will happen?  The doctor said that I may have to take these pills every day for the rest of my life or something considering my pain/injury history (I didnt include it all here for obvious reasons).  I just feel like I am so tired and sluggish, and I cant drive while on them until I build up a tolerance, so I dont know how long that will be either.  Any info would be greatly appreciated.  By the way, in reading some of the back posts, everyone says Oxycontin is SOOO GREAT and at the same time it should be avoided.  Is this only for addiction reasons or is there somethins else bad about this?  I havent felt anything unusually great yet, except, of course, for the lack of pain!  Take care everyone and thank you for any information you can give.

[tom to Dannie]

Dannie, it sounds like you have a medical injury or condition that your doctor expects to be with you for life. I'm sorry to hear that.

Whether it's vicodin or oxycontin or morphine, it is a perfectly natural and unfortunately inevitable process for your body to develop a tolerance and a physical dependence to the drug.

Physical dependence on opiates (like your drugs) developing as the result of legitimate, chronic, debilitating pain is nothing to be ashamed. Our society has done a very good job brainwashing us into believing that this sort of dependence is immoral and a failure in character. Nothing could be further from the truth.

As long as you're using the OxyContin in a responsible manner as prescribed by your doctor to relieve your all-too-real pain, developing a tolerance and dependence on the medication simply means that, like other kinds of medications, you will have to take them on a regular schedule in order to function normally and avoid withdrawal symptoms.

From what you've said, your use of these drugs is purely in response to a chronic pain condition which you have no control over. There is no shame in this. This kind of dependence is natural and unavoidable and does not diminish you as a decent, normal person. Don't let anyone tell you that you are doing something immoral or reprehensive. You're just a person dealing with the hand god dealt him.

Psychological addiction, that is, using these drugs for their euphoric effect when there is no legitimate pain issue is the kind of addiction society finds unacceptable and demands that you seek treatment for.

But as long as you use your meds in the way they're prescribed and are always honest with your doctor as to the level and frequency of the pain, you haven't a blessed thing to feel ashamed of.

I hope this has helped. Take care.

[rain]

Maybe you should ask your doctor about taking some antidepressants for a short period of time.  I started to take zoloft because I had severe depression from withdrawal and it really started to work after about a week.  It also made me feel more alert and in control of my mind.  I found that I could not think straight.  I asked my doctor and she said I should only have to take this for about 3 months.  Although I am still taking some pills, I have not had anything put good reactions to the zoloft.  

Tara

[Frankinscense]

IMO>>> Dannie Stay away from taking oxycontin it's to darn addiciting. If I had to take it for chronic pain i would not take over 10-20mgm's. Thats 2-3 percodans/cets in a time released formula. So many doctors prescribe this medicine w/out knowing the consequences. After 10-14 days of this medicine YOU WILL be addicted. Save yourself some future pain by taking and trying other meds. I would not take 40mgm oxycontins. Try 10-20 before taking 40mg oxycontin. 40mgm's is the equilivant to EIGHT percodans/cets in a time released formula. That is a dose for terminal pain!(IMO) Do not continue with that dose of oxycontin. Being tired and itchiness are side effects of too high a dose. If you must have oxycodone, stick to the oxyIR's q 4-6 hours as prescribed. Flush the 40 mgm oxy's down the toilet. Notice on the package insert reads>   Warning: oxycodone may be habit forming!                          WARNING:oxycodone IS HABIT FORMING !
Best of Luck Dannie,
"doc" Dan...

[tom to Dan]

Dan my good friend, I hope this message finds you feeling better than you reported a few days ago.

I hope you viewed my post to Dannie in the spirit it was intended. There are people in grave physical predicaments where strong, admittedly addicting narcotics are their only salvation. I have watched a family member of mine (not my recently deceased nephew) suffer horribly for years because she had been taught that all narcotics were evil and immoral and only the outcasts of society used them.
I witnessed this suffering as a teenager and there was no "ennobling" aspect to her suffering. Her refusal to accept the pain killers urged upon her by her own physician caused her to live a grotesque, demoralizing life no one should have to experience. Finally, when she had a few years left to live, she was convinced to accept the morphine pills her doctor had been offering her since the day she was diagnosed (I as a boy was too young to be aware of what this disease or condition was). The relief she received from this wonderful medication (yes, I said wonderful) transformed her life from one of reclusion and depression to an active life during which she got to know her own grandchildren and participate in family life.
Dan, your passion, experience and education legitimizes your point of view in my eyes, but there is a point where, in my opinion, quality off life for the terminally ill should take a back seat to concerns about addiction. I'm sure you'd agree that, from an ethical perspective, there is a significant difference between chronic pain patients who develop tolerance and physical dependence and people who are using these opiates just to "bliss out."

I know you are a compassionate man who would not witness human suffering without being affected by it. I hope you understood why I said what I did to Dannie. Without more information, I can only assume that his/her condition is permanent and intractable. Sure, OxyContin probably rivals heroin in addictive power. But addiction is not a black or white, right or wrong issue. While we strive to help people avoid the pitfalls of addiction, we must not neglect those of us who simply have two choices given to us: suffer horribly until you die, or take an addictive medication and at least live your remaining years meaningfully and in dignity.

Without more information, I concluded that this was Dannie's choice and I didn't want her/him to elect to suffer needlessly simply to avoid addiction. Addiction in itself is not evil or immoral. It is an unavoidable consequence of using the only truly effective sources of relief available to us. Would you not agree that, assuming Dannie's condition is permanent and his/her daily pain is of an excruciating kind, that it would be immoral to discourage his/her use of the one thing that can allow her some measure of peace and serenity?

In our zeal to fight addiction, we must not forget the positive effect properly used opiates have on the quality of life for those who suffer. My 10-year old nephew died of neuroblastoma cancer. Without the liberal use of morphine in his case, his final years would have been unspeakably horrible. I will never support the viewpoint that makes avoiding addiction more important than dying in dignity and peace. In his case, I thank God for morphine. I'll say it again. Thank God for morphine! You have to be close to these situations to fully appreciate the merciful role drugs like morphine and oxycodone can play in people's lives.

[Vicodin Gurrl to Dan]

Thank you both for your responses.  As I said earlier, I cannot function or work or really enjoy life with my previous level of pain, so my doctor was trying to get me stabilized on the oxycontin to AVOID me having to take pills so frequently and keep me from feeling the "up and down" rollercoaster of pain relief then waiting for my next dose to kick in, ya know?  This doctor is a highly respected, chronic pain management doc, so I do not feel that she is needlessly overprescribing, and she did warn that I might feel some tiredness and itchyness during the first few days until I adjusted to the dose.  Anyhow, again, I appreciate both of your opinions, and hopefully even though I see that I will become dependant on the medication, I will likely need to take it forever, so it wont really matter (much like a diabetic has to take insulin for life or whatever)and if such time comes when there is a more effective treatment, my doctor did say that she would help me to "detox" in the best way possible.  
Thanks again, and I will continue to come to this board from time to time and read all of your very interesting and heartfelt stories.  (By the way, I should have stated earlier, I am a girl, I know the name is confusing!)  :)

[Frankinscense]

I was not clear about your condition. I thought it was a temporary thing. Oxycontin may be in order if that is the case.
But methadone or buprenorphine is a much better choice. These two drugs control pain and manage the problem with pain and addiction much better.
Best Wishes, Sincerely,
Dan..

[To Tom and rest of forum from Maryanne]

You will get better each day and it sounds like you already are.  Thing is, I know you hate to hear this, but everybody is different.  Did you try massage therapy?  I don't know your income but I always say, "we could afford our addiction so now lets put some money out for our recovery"  How about some kind of cardio exercise every day (or 5 days per week)?  ANYTHING that gets your heart rate up and keeps it there for at least 15 minutes a day (anyone can do 15 minutes) and the longer you do it, the more endurance you get and the better you feel.  Your body needs to let it's natural endorphines go.  I detoxed myself a few weeks ago from a years long opiate addiction and those are the things I find that work for me.              
HELLO EVERBODY!  I am doing very well -  I think!  I am trying SO hard to stay clean.  I just keep remembering the detox and how horrible it was having sinusitis at that same time and know that I never want to feel that way again.  I havent posted for a while because I honestly did't feel like it - you know, been down some, been busy....Tom, the offer still stands - anytime I can help and I mean that!  God Bless, Maryanne

[DChasonOXY]

Well I cant say that i have any legitimate reason for using painkillers - but slowly over the past year i have become addicted. I live in an area that has an epidemic going on with herion and opiate use, with oxycontins being the most widely abused drug lately. You can sell a 80mg pill here for $100 easy. People are stealing and robbing for them - and I know so many people that are completely caught up in this nasty circle of addiction. As for myself, i hold down a couple of good paying jobs, so i can afford to spend 20 to 40 bucks a day on pills. But that leaves no money for anything else and also keeps me using, making me more of an addict.
Reading all of these posts makes me feel better that i am not alone and also worse cause i know i have to quit sometime and its going to be hell. I cant miss anymore time at work (trying to get a promotion) since ive already used up sick time for those days when i couldnt find anything. And i dont want to go to rehab if at all possible. However i feel that its becoming necessary. Im ashamed of having to do it, and i know that it will hurt me at work even though no one has to know why i had to take time off.
Right now I usually am snorting about 20 to 30 mgs a day of oxy. This would be an average day. Sometimes I do up to 50 if i feel like splurging. I try not to ever do them in the morning so that my body doesnt get used to needing it to get out of bed. But after work i start and do it till i go to bed in little doses. When i cant get oxys i get percs or vics and chew 2 or 3 and that works the same.
Ive tried quitting pretty much cold turkey (had some muscle relaxers and trasidone) a while ago and it sucked but i only missed a day and a half from work and went 6 days before slipping back in again. However this was when i was only doin about 10mgs a day. I had some problems sleeping, but i could sleep, had some cold sweats, muscles sore, yawns, and general overall lack of all energy. I managed to get through the days and even through some full work days.
Im scared to even try this again now.
Ive tried tapering lately but i guess im not ready to make the full effort cause i keep going back to a 40mg day again without fail. I have it in my mind that i will get a supply, ration it out for 2 wks to taper down to 5 mg a day - but im not sure if this is even worth attempting.
Gotta go for now if anyone has any thoughts for me id love to hear.

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Man, it sounds like you are on the same rat race that I was on a few years ago.  With me it was morphine, percs and Lortabs.  In the end, my mind and body just gave out completely.  I wrote my own scripts for a while and got busted which iced it for me.  

Believe me that it will all end someday one way or another.  The trouble is that the imprint on your mind will forever be there.  That's tough to hear but ask any of us here and you will hear much the same.  I wish that I could begin to tell you more but I can't at this time.  I hope some of our advice here will help you along the way to a better life!  J.B.

[lamos421 to DChasonOXY]

Trust me when i say that 40mgrs will go to 80 and so and so on I started taking pain killers for fun take them or leave them then i went to taking extra strenght vics 3 a day to 5 to 10 all the way to 40 a day for about a year and a half.Then went to rehab got off was off for 8 months and tradgdey stuck my life (a good excuss to start using again)and i started getting oxys 40s went to 3 or 4 80s a day quick and now im in methadone program and i know it will be very hard when it is time to come off the methadone even though im keeping normal with a low dose 30milligrams a day so please take it from me get help NOW before it is harder its never easy but it just gets harder and harder good luck and god bless

[Frankinscense]

Research methadone maintenace. It is a excellent way to taper oxycontin. Go to J.Thomas Paytes MD website. Or search opiate agonist treatments or therapies. Anyway methadone maintenance will allow you to stop oxycontin without losing your job. And all the information is confidential by federal law. Also it will allow you to do it with a very minimal amount of withdrawals and it will stop ALL CRAVINGS for oxycontin. Any questions? Post any questions in regards to MMT or opiate agonist therapies wed. 2/1 in the am under the heading methadone or darvon!
Most SINCERELY,
"DOC" dan...

[DChas]

Thanks for the responses guys.  I guess right now I just dont know what Im going to do - I too worried about my job promotion right now to think about quitting.  I guess I need to try to limit the splurging to save some $ and to prevent myself from getting any worse...Im going to try to knock it down to 15mgs max a day this week - I shouldnt really have any problem with that.  This habit is costing me nearly 200 bucks a week.  Thats about $10,000 a year.  Not good.

[DChasonOXY]

As far as the Methodone thing goes - well thats probably where im headed.  I guess im not sure about just switching from one to the other and just becoming dependent on something else - but I guess they can taper you off methodone much easier than trying to taper off oxys on your own.  There is a methodone clinic I know of but it is 40 mins away and I would have to go too far everyday and it would affect my job.  They are trying to get a clinic put in where I live, but there is a lot of public outcry against it.

[heather]

Does anyone know anythign about OxyFast?

I am taking this liquid med for SEVERE breakthrough pain between two major surgeries I am having.

I am worried that it might be a tough one to withdraw from physically.

Anyone have any experience with OxyFast?
(sounds like a diet pill!!!)

Heather

[DChasonOXY]

Yeah its probably liquid oxycontin.  How far apart are the surgeries, and how much are you taking?  Im an abuser of opiates and when i first started using oxys i used frequently (almost daily 20/40 mg) for about 3 to 4 weeks and then stopped cold turkey.  It was like having the flu pretty bad with a fever for 3 days or so.  With some cold medicine and rest i was fine.  So if youre only going to be using it for a little while and youre not on super high doses the withdrawals are bearable.  Plus they will most likely taper you down in dose or with substitutes.

[Frankinscense]

I do not understand how someone can give advice on tapering oxycontin and be taken seriously when you cannot take your own advice. Don't get upset, but really man!
Dan..

[DChas]

Dan,
The difference is that I am an ADDICT.  I snort the pills therefore I dont take the medication correctly.  I dont think this is the case with her.  I know people who take oxycontin for medical reasons and were tapered down by their doctors.  If she takes the meds as she is prescribed, than she shouldnt have a problem.  If she ever catches herself not following the script than she may be in danger of becoming an addict.

[Shiny]

Don't mind Dan, he means well but he's on this Meth thing and nothing much will alter his zest.  Best to listen to Tom, who is more down to earth.

[Rick #2]

I too am down the addiction road and am spending way too much on percs -vikes and oxys--i eat whatever i can get and more and more all the time--I ran out of everything yesterday AND iM GOING THROUGH A LIVING HELL--iam just waiting o find some pills--any painkillers to end my aches and depression--I dont know how many times I can keep doing this but I know if I dont find any in a couple days I will feel good again with out them--BUT IAM A STUPID SOB because even when i dont need them I will buy em again for the iniatail good feeling wich oinly lasts the 1st day and then Iam playing catchup to a feeling that all i can do is try to get close too but I can stuff 20 pills in my mouth and IM immune --IF YOU COME DOWN AND QUIT BY WHATEVER MEANS DONT FORGET THE PAIN AND DONT BE STU0
PID LIKE ME AND START  UP AGAIN--I DO IT OVER AND OVER AND OVER--I HAFTA BE THE DUMBEST PERSON ON THE EARTH--DONT BE A ME!!!!!!

[lamos421 to DChas]

I have to agree with dan about methadone.It will help you get off the oxys it helped me stop them as soon as i started taking methadone.It also helps with the rollercoaster ride that comes with oxys or any other pain killer the methadone seemed to get me on an even keel after only about a week or two and you feel more clearheaded and you do stop craving the oxys.I strongly suggest that you check out a methadone clinic not to mention the money you will save if your spending 200 a week i have to say good advise dan!! Dchas take it from someone who has already been there stop procrastinating and take the next step.Going to methadone will help you more than your helping with oxys right now and will help you stay focused on your job promotion GOOD LUCK!!!

[My name is bob]

I had a triple coronary bypass at the age of 46. The medication for pain was Percoset, and I needed it while recovering. Big problem. I liked the feeling. Over a six year period, I got up to 30 pills a day. Here's the kicker....I NEVER bought a pill from anywhere other than a Pharmacy. I never forged a prescription, and I never asked anyone to get them for me.

Has anyone had a similiar experience?

[Annie... I HAVE A QUESTION???]

Why are you guys on these medications, and where do you (easily it seems) get them from?  I suffered for 8 years w/ ortho problems from an accident, couldnt get 1 doc to prescribe anything.  Now I'm facing surguries @ 32 yrs of age, and now have been put on Vicodin for pain, which I really need.  I've only been reading these sites for about 2 weeks now, and boy have I been in the dark.  Now that I finally have the medication and feel like I can live a normal life free from pain, IM SCARED to take the medicine...ha ha I know.  I didnt realize so many people were soooo educated on all these different medicines and have also become addicted.  Are any of you taking these meds w/ the understanding that being pain free is the necessary trade off to being addicted, or you just have to have them now, I know I am a little confused, but can easily see myself there one day.  Please give me some advice, what not to do, or what to do.
Sometimes I wait till the pain is way outta control, and thats not good to do either, because it defeats the purpose, but I'm scared to go through what you all are going through now.  Its HELL I know, and I do sympathize w/ you all.  Thanks! Annie

[cindi]

To Annie,  Please don't be afraid to take your pain med.  Millions of people suffer from chronic pain needlessly.  If you take it as prescribed for pain and not just for the warm fuzzy feelings there should be nothing to worry about.  You should be able to taper your doseage when it is time and then never look back when you are off of it.  When I was working as a nurse I would be taking care of patients who were in the hospital for a few months at a time (burns, severe ortho cases etc) that were on narcotics every 3 or 4 hours for that length of time.  When it came time for discharge they were sent home after the pain meds were gradually cut and they may have gone through some minor withdrawal and never realized what they were.  It is really hard for us in this country to get pain meds for our chronic pain, so when you are able to find a doc who will prescribe them,  please take them without fear.  I myself, am a recovering addict.  I have to be really careful cuz a simple minor case of menstrual cramps means I should be getting demerol.  I can make something so simple turn out to be the worse painfull disease on the face of the earth and that is my disease of addiction.  Obviously, that is not the case with you.  So many people become unintentionally addicted to these drugs but ...they were invented for a reason.    hope this helps you some  take care   cindi

[tom to Annie]

just take your meds as your doc prescribes. If it isn't enough, tell him. It's when the secrecy sets in that we all get out of control and end up using too much too often. You sound like a straight shooter. Stay honest with your doc, keep his trust, but don't be afraid to tell him if his presciptions or dosages aren't helping. Don't fear Vicodin. Thank go it's there when you're really suffering. Remember, we're all talking about use and abuse, the two being very different animals.

[tom to Bob]

most of us become addicted under a doctor's care from drugs we legitimately buy from the pharmacy. We all started where you are.

[Annie to Tom and Cindi]

......Great advice.  Will definately tune in to this site on a regular basis to stay in touch w/ reality.  I feel like ive met people who really understand this situation, and speak from the heart.  "Yall really got it going on!" (: Annie

[Ken]

I am in my fifth day of detox from prescription painkillers.The insomnia ended last night (I hope).What I can't get over is the absolute felling of helplessness.It seems as if I have lost the will to live.I have a prescription for wellbutrin,but it does not seem to help.I read remarks that this could last for months!And the real sickness is I think about getting more!I just wish the mental anquish could go away.

[Ken]

I am in my fifth day of detox from prescription painkillers.The insomnia ended last night (I hope).What I can't get over is the absolute felling of helplessness.It seems as if I have lost the will to live.I have a prescription for wellbutrin,but it does not seem to help.I read remarks that this could last for months!And the real sickness is I think about getting more!I just wish the mental anquish could go away.

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

I know what you are feeling but you are not helpless.  I'm on day number nine without opiates or any drugs except Motrin.  That helpless feeling is the void in your mind that the opiates filled so neatly.  Everything seems ugly and strange and hopeless for a while during withdrawal.  To fight this feeling, I have to really work at finding a reason to get up in the morning.  While I am tossing and turning with insomnia at night I make up plans to do stupid little things that I've put off for months.  Last week I repaired stuff around the house, changed my oil, painted the bathroom, etc.  I work until I get tired, take a break and get back at it.  I visited friends on the phone or in person.  I know this all sounds difficult, but you have to keep going somehow.  It gets to the point that no drug will help you get through this and you have to rely on your inner strength and God.  Try going to an AA meeting just to be around people who give a damn about you.  There's a lot of strength there!

Or you can pop another pill and return to the real insanity.  J.B.

[To JB from Ken]

Thanks brother.It DOES get a little better each day.I have to look at all I have to lose popping pills versus all I have to gain sober.When does the insomnia end?It sucks to toss and turn especially when you have a job to go to in the morning.I hate to dread the sunlight but I do.But again,I know it will get better and I can resume living happy,joyous,and free.God bless each of you who keep me company on this site.

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Insomnia sucks big time!  I'm on total disability now and don't have a job to worry about.  But I do remember the grief all too well about maintaining a job and dealing with withdrawals.

I did take benzos like valium and librium for a while but they are habit forming as well.  I've also tried melatonin and Valerian Root which are OTC herbal stuff.  They helped.  Execdrin PM, benadryl and dramamine help also(all OTC drugs).

Tom has quite a few remedies for insomnia in several posts here.
If you are able, try any form of excersize.  Also check into "relaxation tapes".  Good luck!  J.B.

[DChasonOXY]

Ive found that doing stretching helps a lot.  It relieves some of the muscle cramping/twitching/soreness.  Especially in the legs.  Ever notice during withdrawals how painstaking it is to go up a set of stairs?  Well the stretching will help with this - its best to do it in the morning and before bed.

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Yes, I agree with stretching.  If you have any experience with animals you'll notice that they do a lot of it.  It just plain feels good!  Maybe it releases some of those natural endorphines that we are masking by using drugs?  Anyway, I like to get outside and just walk or do something to get the heart going.  It does wonders for your body and state of mind.  J.B.

[To JB from Ken]

Thanks for the tips.I have tried valarium root.The only thing I can say about that is the runs are endless!(and what a stench).
Am on day 7 today.Last night I actually slept for 5 hours in a row!You know,the insanity of all of this is that I did all of this 3 years ago.I did not remember the torment and grief.I look around and see all that I have to lose.For what?A pill???I have been in and out of N.A.since 1988,and maybe this is the time I will get it.When you are truly hurting with a back injury such as the one I have,the feeling is a real quandry because the pills are availible from the doc,yet you know they will induce more agony than they help.We know that some of us are sicker than others,but do I have to go to the head of the class?I no longer want everyone in recovery praying for me at the end of each meeting(the addict that still suffers).One day,one hour,perhaps one second at a time today.It's a rough ride.God Bless.

[spook]

Protracted abstinence syndrome: begins when acute phase of opioid withdrawal ends and persists up to 6 mnths: depression, abnormal responses to stressful situations, drug hunger, decreased self-esteem, anxiety, and other psychological disturbances.Hang in there....

[spook]

Protracted abstinence syndrome: begins when acute phase of opioid withdrawal ends and persists up to 6 mnths: depression, abnormal responses to stressful situations, drug hunger, decreased self-esteem, anxiety, and other psychological disturbances.

[Baxter180]

I agree with Spook, although it didn't take 6 months for me ,more like a month. I took ultram for the withdrawls. Some really good info on detoxing from Opiods and Opiod addiction in a blog I read.

http://medsrxshop.blogspot.com/

It all gets better in time mate.