Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

What to do about depression post detox from opiates??

I detoxed myself from opiate meds about a month ago and I thought things would get better. Nope. Now I feel very anxious and depressed. I also  quit marijuana too. (was using it for appetite) I  have an appt. w/ my shrink on Tues 2/28 and I'm not sure what to tell him??? "I'm lonely, depressed and very anxious and worried. I have ADHD too; untreated. I'm going to ask for treatment for it. I just roam around my apt. not wanting to do anything....TV.....but I've lost ALL motivation and I feel lost  in general. I don't know what to ask y'all...but how do I deal w/ this? I feel like going back on my pain meds. I felt fine, then. Is it the dreaded PAWS? (post acute withdrawal syndrome). Anybody here have any experience like this? I'm just writing because it keeps my mind off the depression. D@MNIT!!! I thought I had this licked! (oh, I get my meds from my pain doc, legit. chronic pain,,,not helping either!) I have no friends either and no car. This sux!!!
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I have the worst case of PAWS anyone probably ever got, after stopping Paxil.  It's not a common problem, but it does happen.  But consider that most people who become addicted to drugs are already depressed, which is the real problem and why it's so often very difficult to stay off them -- you've been self-medicating, but not treating the underlying problem of why you felt such a strong urge to get high all the time instead of just occasionally the way most people do.  You also could have just old fashioned withdrawal because you might have stopped your meds cold turkey.  Drug rehab centers cause most of the recorded cases of PAWS because they usually stop the drugs cold turkey.  Now, I tapered off the Paxil and still got it, but we're talking most people, not me.  I'd also think about if you really have ADHD -- it's often overdiagnosed -- but realize that the meds for this are speed, and that might just make you more anxious right now.  In your case, try to figure out with your therapist the why behind your strong desire to be high all the time and why that started in the first place.  I know that's just a first step, but a first step is where you start.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Depression Community

Top Mood Disorders Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
15 signs that it’s more than just the blues
Discover the common symptoms of and treatment options for depression.
We've got five strategies to foster happiness in your everyday life.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.