Cautiosly Optimistic: Day 18 No Methadone

[t_nuh_had_nuf]

Today is day 18 with no methadone.  I was on it for 5 yrs up to 100mgs a day at times. Prior to that it was any painkiller I could get my hands on.(None of these prescribed for ME) I know that everyone is different but I am writing this for anyone who is out there going through it or thinking about detoxing.  IT CAN BE DONE!  18 days is early in recovery but what a difference from the first week.  I have done this with NO sleeping/nerve pills. Only valerian and melatonin. When I first started this I fully intended to have to be hospitalized-read some bad stories-I warned my husband and got rid of every pill in the house.  If a pill was around I KNOW I would have taken it. The physical pain of withdraw is gone-it's the mental now. I wanted to stop along time ago but pills were always around-could never do it. I am DOING it now! I still have cravings but guess what......they do pass! Made it past the restless legs, sweating, chills, aches and I even have been sleeping about 5 hrs a night for the past couple of nights.  My mood is up and down but part of that is just life.  Whey protein shakes, advil, vitamins, hot baths and EVERYONE on this site has helped me get this far. I have made an appointment with a counselor to try and help with this. I go next week. It is hard at times to keep a positive attitude but reading others posts helps. I am looking forward to finding new things to fill the hole that drugs have left in me. I wish everyone luck and want to thank this community again- I couldn't have done it without you all. THNX  TEENA

[gnarly_1]

Hey TEENA your recovery is going surprisingly well I was like debbie's  husband I was sick for months ...just dont get discouraged if you get a few bad days in there methadone is very cyclic just when you think you got it bet it slams you down again this happens less ans less as you move on with it but I just wanted you to be prepared rather then frightened if it happens to you just take it day to day and measure your progress weekly rather then daily you  will see a bigger difference in how you feel...dont ever read anything into your withdrawal no 2 are the same keep doing what your doing and now is the time to start to line up some form of aftercare the conslor will be good....going it alone rarely works if you can check out a few N/A meetings the people there will be able to relate to how your feeling and your struggles congarts on 18 days your off to a good start hang in there it will get ezer as you go along good luck and God bless.......Gnarly    

[Drew23587]

What a gift to read this, this morning!  You are an inspiration.  Getting off methadone is a great accomplishment.  

Drew

[atthebeach]

congrats teena on the 18 days of being drug free.that is great you are feeling so good so fast. my husband was sick for months. lost 30 lbs,bathroom issues, didn't sleep literally for months, hard to believe his body could endure, he had no energy, felt like he was hit by a truck. maybe his age at 57 had alot to do with it. he has been clean from a 10 yr. meth and pill habit now for 13 months.you need to fill your time with other things. he exercises faithfully 4 days a week running and lifting weights. he volunteers at a christian drug and alcohol program. the Lord has been a big part of his continuing recovery, we go to church and he attends mens groups at church. the mental part is definitely the hardest. being clean is a marathon not a sprint. you def. need to get a good support system in place.
he didnt like na. but for some people it is great. counselors, addiction groups, a new hobby,spring is here (coming) get outside and get some fresh air and start walking.
God bless you
debbie