Common causes for relapse........

[allaboutmary]

I think 2 of the most common causes of relapse are depression and lack of energy.  Too many times people are under the impression that after the 7-10 days of withdrawal that they will be good as new (some lucky people are). I just wanted to post this for people just starting this journey.  I think if people are made aware that it takes time, they will cut themselves some slack.  Be patient with yourself.  Energy can be very slow in returning, sometimes a few months.
If you have depression that's not going away after a few months.......it might be time to see a doctor for some anti-depressants.  I am one of those people that don't like anti-depressants and fought taking them , but sometimes we do need a little help.
Be patient with yourselves. It will all be worth it in the long run.

[mtgoat911]

stress is a big trigger for me, but i have also heard relationships and resentments are also big triggers

[dominosarah]

Good post Mary!!  I agree too.  I was one of those who actually thought once i was thru the worst of wd's i was home free.  I had no idea that wd was actually the easy part.  The mental part came later.  Thankfully at the time i came on i was told the truth and it made it easier to understand about the depression, the energy and the cravings.  I truely believe if you want this bad enough you will get to the other side and will do what it takes to get there and stay clean.  Many of us abused for a long time and it takes time to work thru all the pain and regret.  We all have that strength in us to get better......sara

[jillian6]

I'm really glad you posted this.  I was taking fiorcet on and off for years.  I could always get off but my problem was staying off.  I usually made it a couple weeks and was so depressed and had no energy so I'd go right back to taking them.

This time, I knew what to expect so I decided to just give myself permission to feel depressed and not be hard on myself because I didn't have the energy to do anything.  Just by knowing in my head that it was ok to feel like this, it's been easier to understand that it will pass - and it is.  It's a slow process and it's been almost a month since I've taken the pills and I do wish it would be over but looking back, I used them so long that even if it takes another month, it will be worth it in the end.

Until this last time I quit, I just didn't get it - and I thank God for whatever reason, it's different this time.  Chasing pills got to be too stressful.  So for anyone out there going thru depression and lack of energy, I can tell you for certain it WILL pass - just give it time.

[road2recovery]

I agree, very good post...I also think we use the term 3 to 5 days as just being the worst, so they know that part will subside....
For example:  The first time i tried to detox, I really thought it would be like going through a carwash and coming out on the other side clean, and ready to go....That is why i relapsed, and made it to day 4...The more knowledge the better...After reading alot , i realized that when they say 90 meetings in 90 days, is because that is the window or time to feel better, and the time most relapse...I think for me using steadly for over 3 yrs, it was like kim said , everyday push a little more to do something, then something more then that the next day....I want the new ones to know that it does it get better...But TIME is what it takes...We did not do this to our bodies in 1 week...But I try to look at it, as time is all we have NOT using...when using , we have little time left, before we lose more , and possibly our lives...I also took a anti-depressent and it helped me alot...God bless..

GREAT POST!!!

[kim715]

Great post Mary and so true.It took me months after I quit methadone to feel like I didn't have to push myself through everyday.The smallest tasks seemed like such huge chores.Now,a year later,I can function through a normal day.My energy level isn't what I would wish for it to be,but honestly whos is? I think most people in the world wish they had more hours in the day.Life is hectic and busy.Between work,the kids,the husband, the house,it's exhausting,but thats normal and even for how absolutely exhausting it all can be it's soooooooooo good to finally feel 'normal' again.You're right it's all worth it in the long run.