Day 3, Hit a wall, need encouragement!

[QRSED]

Today has been a real battle, I am fighting cravings for the first time just to get some energy, or thats what my mind is telling me.  Day one was horrible but today I feel really drained.  I need sleep, I feel so heavy, don't feel like moving at all.  I don't want to go backwards and really need the encouragement to keep going forward. I have to do this, this is the farthest I've ever gone without using and I don't want to go back. This is stilll a struggle I never thought would happen at this stage. Shows how much I know.  I felt so much better early this morning. Please keep posting words of encouragement cause it really helps and I need it. Thank you all!

[udoschoices]

day 3-5 is the kicker my friend... when the voices come out telling you things that aren't reasonable. Like "oh detox is over, maybe just get a few.."  the short-term memory of an addict. When you start feeling better is when the real work happens. Trust me, been there, done that - doing it again and also feeling the same cravings (but a bit farther along than you...) From my experience, days 3-5 is when i almost always caved. Then back again on the merry-go-round.

I highly suggest you look into some sort of aftercare, meetings AA/NA, whatever. Its the only thing keeping me on the right path, and my path is very shaky and i battle it too....

hang in there, we're all in the same boat and together we can make it..

[QRSED]

Tks for post, I am surprised that day 1 was brutal Wd's, Day 2 was manageable, the morning of day 3 I felt good and confident and then I hit a wall big time, i will take your advice and I appreciate your concern and thoughts. Hopefully tommorow will be a better day. tks again.

[ImDONENoMore]

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time tonight.  I can completely relate to those awful feelings when I was at your point.

I'm not sure what your DOC was, but some of the narcotics have a fairly long half-life (stays in your system for a short while after quitting) which is why many of us don't feel the worst of it until day 3 or so.  So please be rest assured these feelings are VERY normal.

With that being said, I found really hot (I mean HOT) showers at night to help with the restlessness and the anxiety that would hit me at night time.  Also, you could try some melatonin or valerian root to help calm you naturally, although they may not work for a while either as they didn't really do their thing with me right after I quit.  But it's worth a shot - as I know ANYTHING is worth a shot when you're struggling so much.  And maybe a cup of tea (sleepytime is the BEST for night time) although any tea will do, as just drinking something warm will help soothe your nerves and can have a very calming effect.  I'm sorry if I'm suggesting things you've tried already?

And remember, most importantly, you've made the BEST decision of your life by quitting.  You may not fully feel it yet, but you will.  A strong resolve will be your best friend right now, along with patience.  You didn't get addicted overnight and you won't get well overnight.  Anything worthwhile takes TIME.  :)

And if you find yourself unable to sleep after exhausting all methods to help you relax then get up and go into another room.  Watch some mindless TV or a good movie (nothing too heavy though).  Or read.  Anything is better than trying to "will" yourself to sleep.  Sleep will come as your body will eventually "crash" and you'll get the sleep your body needs.  I NEVER thought I would be able to finally sleep again on a normal routine, but it happened and it will for you too!

Hope this helps - and remember, you can always keep posting here - or even begin a journal to get out all of those feelings you're now experiencing.  I say this a lot, but venting is a MUCH better choice than taking some stupid pill.  But you probably know that already right?  :)

I'm rooting for you!  You CAN do this!!  :)

[IBKleen]

Day 3 is historically the hardest. In just a few hours it will be over and I know you will begin feeling better tomorrow. Please don't give up!! I promise it does get better and you will be happy that you did this.

One hour at a time, one minute at a time...get through the day!!

[vicki595]

What day is this for you? I can't remember...