psychologic w/d

I'm twenty years old and I've been on 150-250 mg of hydrcodone for the last three years of my life... I've mastered the art of detox,learning how to alleviate 90% of the physical withdrawls. I've been clean for close to a month now (29) days .... I was curious about hoe long does the strong "cravings" last. I dream about them I constantly find myself thinking about them but the massive amount of money and the toll it took on my body and life is what keeps me away. I'm aware of the fact the cravings could quite possibly be a mainstay in my life but according to your personal opinions when do the stronger cravings subside? Thank you

[vicki595]

It's so different for everyone. Sometimes,it seems the more "your head" is into it and you really, really want this,it's easier and lasts less time. But,there's no science to back that up...You're still early in this recovery and you're young. Re train your brain. Learn something new. It makes a difference. The brain has to heal and it can take 90 or more days. It's a process.
Read about "the addicted brain" in the health pages,upper right.

Good luck!

[Bruthab42]

Thank you vicky. Since I've stopped I've been living at the gym figuratively speaking and throughout the years I've learned how to completely eradicate the physical pain but the mental side of it I can't seem to shake. I'm sure it has a lot to do with having an addictive personality.  My new additions are work and working out, but the alone time at night is when my appetite if you will seems to be the strongest. I've tried reading before bed, playing the pianist meditating and its almost as if the words in my book change themselves and they correlate to pain killers and a grin powered by a sense of Jou takes over me. I'm rambling, but were there any personal tricks you used to help dilute the cravings

[Bruthab42]

My new addictions*
Playing the piano*
Sense of joy*

[jrizzy303]

Hey what helps me is have somebody that supports you to tell you back three  to five good reasons not to use. (And do it everyday if needed.)I personally have a counselor that I see twice a week. He talks me down and gets me back in the game. You need support with this addiction. I also started working out again. My brain is starting to think differently already and im at 21 days and also depends on what you took. I think it was a little easier for me cause I tapered down on subs. I was told when your younger its easier for your body to go back to normal when you got older it will be that much harder and if we can do it when its a little easier then we need to do it and sease the moment. Oh and I take all kinds of vitamins and like I tell everyone theres a natural pill thats called sam-e thats promotes better mood and joint comfort. keep up the good work.

[Bruthab42]

On that note I have a relative who is going through the same process as we speak.... we speak constantly throughout the day and that helps to ease sine of the cravings. I too have used sub but for me it just offered an oasis and not a solution once my treatment was complete I'd relapse 3-5 days later since then, I've stuck with vitamins exercise and Imodium (immodium) ad I've found that the Imodium (immodium) completely eliminates my physical discomfort. I Do have days where I can think clearly and ignore the cravings but the second anything norco related crosses my ears eyes mind my brain shuts down and goes into what I like to call psychological acute withdrawl (withdrawal) syndrome and it'd unbearable. It affects my work , ruined my relationship along with many other things in my life. Once my mind is set in pills nothing can reverse it

[vicki595]

Tricks,Ha!   When I FINALLY decided to stop the pills,I had an army of help. I'm talking any kind of support you can grab. I wasn't taking any chances so: A doctor,a therapist, a life coach,a swim coach and  ( hanging head very low ) my family. They were amazing.

I had to learn how to live and I'm still learning. Just living without the pills and it's really not a big deal anymore. That love affair is over and I accept it. It's completely a head game. That's why I said "time". It takes time for our brains to be okay and our brains will play horrid games with us. Especially when we're alone. Know your triggers very well! Being alone is huge,being tired,being sick,being bored,even being hungry are all triggers.

The fact that you work out at the gym will be the single most thing that will help you. I promise. It's a big help! So,good for you for knocking this down now!

[Bruthab42]

Thank you  both for your words I've noticed just talking eases my hunger