Getting Clean is not the hard part

[whyme183]

I have read lots of posts and I am see the same question:
I feel like **** after I am clean and have trouble with day to day life.
Any suggestions?

[lulu747]

HI

I know it's hard...And you got really good advice above.  Aftercare is important and that can mean different things.  AA/NA, counselling, community service, church groups etc...Plus making positive lifestyle changes...Diet, vitamins, EXERCISE (can't stress that one enough) new hobbies, volunteer work...These are just suggestions that have worked for me and others I know.  Reclaiming your life, recovery is a process that takes patience and a lot of self love.  You can do it...Lu

[ricart70]

Hi I am sorry that you feel so bad.It's not like having a hangover.It takes time at least 30 days to get back to feeling somewhat better.Just stick it out for 90 days and you will not feel overwhelmed by daily life.The problem is with this is that alot of people never give it enough time.Hang in there

[GA_need_help]

Absolutely.  And I am writing while still doing a slow taper from Opana ER.  I am in my last month.
First, remember always our brains are resetting themselves. We will have our normal neurotransmitter systems functioning again soon.  The extra opiate receptors will die.  Our endorphins will return.  So, remember this is temporary.  We are going to feel better.  Hold on.  This will get better.  We will have our natural reward systems working again soon!

Second, Look to God to carry you through.  Yes, ask Him for help.  Pray that He will comfort you as you have never felt comfort before.  I was knee deep in withdrawal symptoms last Thursday. I had changed over an extended relief Opana to a short acting Opana.  I prayed and prayed.  Somehow I walked in my daughter's school and got home (I don't recommend it, but I had no other option).  They I laid down and prayed, God miraculously lifted the physical symptoms.  I am holding on to that, as I am hoping to not feel the serious sick feeling again from the Opana ER I changed over the day before last (it takes a while for the body to adjust).  Then I have 1 more ER to go!  So I am looking to God, and exercising my faith that He is going to carry me through these changes, and to finishing my taper.

Thirdly,  AA or NA.  That is where we can go to learn how to live after our addiction (or while tapering as I am), where we can be loved, be part of a community (in this isolating state of being), get structure if you don't work (I am a stay at home mom), and get hopeful through the adjustments our bodies are making.

This is to be continued.  I need to get ready for my prayer chat.  It definitely helps to pray.  I believe in Jesus 100%, so my church means everything in my recovery, in my life.  We often don't realize how serious our battles with drugs and alcohol is.  We can LOSE EVERYTHING.  It is the time to surrender our lives to Jesus, and look to Him to restore everything.  I continue to figure out how to live this life doing this taper.  The more I trust Jesus, the more strength I have.  I pray Jesus will comfort us as He brings us through our addictions.  

Big Hug,
Marie