Coming up on 1 mos of sobriety and I'm so fatigued I can barely focus :(

[squirrelsnest]

So I'm 28 days clean from Norcos and while my cravings or even thoughts of the drug have basically left the building, a new issue has come up for me....I feel extremely fatigued and am having a really hard time focusing on work or other daily tasks. I just "can't" get myself to finish the laundry or take my kid for a walk. My mood is good overall, as I am and have been on Celexa since August. I recently increased my dosage from 20mg to 30 mg at my psychiatrist's suggestion and the "depressive funk" I found myself in a few weeks ago has lifted. This isn't depression so much as a  lack of motivation/energy. Also, when reading a sentence sometimes I stare at it, re-read it, then still couldn't tell you what I've just read a minute later. In high school, many teachers suggested that I might have ADD. I have a very high IQ but would have trouble finishing (or starting) projects. I blamed it on the fact that I was a procrastinator and by the time I got to college, I had discovered vicodin. The pills not only chilled me out but simultaneously stimulated me. I never noticed an issues with focusing or concentrating ever since because I've been on those pills ever since (until 28 days ago)!!  

I called my psychiatrist and explained exactly what I'm telling you all here and he replied "this doesn't sound like an emergency. We should just talk about this the next time we're scheduled to meet (in 2 weeks), although I doubt I'll do anything like prescribe you any stimulants."  On the one hand, I was shocked. I didn't actually call him with the intention of getting a prescription for Ritalin or Aderal (in fact, I hate those drugs...they make me feel awful!). But in my mind, this IS an emergency! I am in school full-time (online, which is very challenging), while at home raising my young daughter by myself.  The financial aid that I get for going to school and the (very little) child support that I receive for my daughter, is what I live on. If I can't focus on my schoolwork, that's the equivalent of me not being able to do my job. I don't know if the lack of focus and the general malaise are connected and I don't really know if any of this connected to my recent sobriety BUT I know that if I had some norcos right now, I'd be cooking/cleaning/doing laundry/playing with my kid w/high energy, while doing homework and watching the State of the Union Address....ALL AT ONCE!!

I know that the sense of having it all together, even the feeling of immense energy while on norcos is FALSE.....but I'm starting to feel desperate when my own psychiatrist blows me off and I can't think of a way to re-gain my energy or focus. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Anne :)

[magnoliaooo]

I understand all to well about the fatique and the lack of motivation. I am at 2 months and that has been the worst thing for me.In all honesty that is why I always went back to the pills, the "fake" energy!!!! I know it is fake but sometimes I feel so boring now (does that make sense"?  In time it will all come back to us but it takes our brain time to rewire after at least for me many years of drug abuse. I am trying to just be patient with whatever mood I am in because I never want to go back to the pills. My life became a living nightmare with trying to keep my supply up etc. I am so grateful for the 2 months I have but it is hard work for me to stay positive sometimes. I pushed myself after a month to walk on the treadmill(did not feel like it the first month) just a slow walk and after I do that I do feel better but I have to make myself. Be patient with yourself do small things and take frequent breaks, just know you are not alone, I read on here alot and the major complaint is fatique!!!!!
                                                                               Mag

[gnarly_1]

HI....you may want to look up the amino acid protocall its on the lower right of the screen
there are supplements you can take that will help you start to feel better but having these feeling being a month into it is not uncommon I recommend whey protiein shakes to eveyone that detoxes there loaded with vitamins ecental amino acids as wll as the protein all things that the brain needs to heal you can pick up a 2lb can at walmart for 15 bucks and the chocolate flavor is good I still drink 2 a day all you do is mix it with milk they also carry supper whey
it 20bucks a can but you need a blender for that stuff I find both work about the same
if you can swing it the separate amino's are probably better but Im on a budget give it a try non of this is an overnight cure but rather a gradual fix good luck and God bless....Gnarly    

[squirrelsnest]

You make SUCH a good point, in fact, one that I've heard before! I can't believe (well, actually I can) I didn't remember that! I haven't even resumed taking a basic multi-vitamin/multi-mineral which is textbook for anyone getting clean. Aside from the fatigue, my joints are still achy, nerves feel pinched....I'm most DEFINITELY deficient of something and I'm going to look into that as soon as possible. Thank you so much for reminding me :)

[squirrelsnest]

Congratulations to you on 32 days....and with 3 kids!!!  You're doing this for them (and you!) and that is truly commendabe :) Thank you for your kind words!

[Lovemyfam2000]

I understand exactly what your going Throu I'm 32 days clean and it is so hard to do stuff I guess it is normal how were feeling doing laundry and doing things with the kids is a task these days with the pills I could do everything and it was easy. It is getting better but veryyyyyyy slowly lol I have 3 kids can't wait till I'm stronger for them well I hope u have a better day tom we can do this right and Congradulations on your clean time that's great