How do I focus?

Question

I have gone back and forth and back again in my recovery from using opiates, mainly painkillers. I've been here off and on since 2012, and I have a journal that has followed my struggle somewhat. I would like to know how in the world do I regain my focus, especially in these early recovery days. I am planning an aftercare program this go around because I do see the importance since I've relapsed a dozen or more times.  But, at this moment, I really need help on focusing. I sit in an office daily alone and cannot for the life of me get started on or complete one task. I am taking vitamins, exercising, and cleaning up my diet, but I still am struggling greatly with focus. Any tips, tricks, or advice is greatly appreciated.

jlannspr · Answer

Thank you meeg, I am learning this very slowly.

meegWpaw · Answer

I have seen you a lot off and on here too.  I agree that aftercare is crucial to success in recovery.   In the first few months of recovery I was almost obsessed with getting 'all the things on my (copious ) lists' done every day.  People told me to cross out everything except for one to three things and focus on those.  I didn't want to listen but eventually I had to!!!! And it helped.   Even now I have to remind myself to slow down and let myself work through tasks at a slower pace than I'd often like ... furthermore there are still some days when you can accomplish one thing only:  stay clean.  And that is a gigantic accomplishment.   If u can do that, you've had a good day.

jlannspr · Answer

Thank you, these positive responses are what I need to hear,and to know each of you have fought this battle and are winning. thank you.

VICourageous · Answer

I too remember you! Congrats on your clean time.
I have to agree with ALL the above.

The thing about removing these drugs is that it takes time to balance back. The physical will be better and then comes the mental. We have no/low motivation and it is hard to focus right away. I have done so much research about Addiction in a more Scientific way, and I have talked to many Drs about this. All of it is due to the brain chems that have to balance back or fire up again (sorta speaking here). This will not happen over night and for some it can take up to a yr or more.
I found that just taking baby steps at first really helped. The funny thing is that I noticed I get things done way better or cleaner then I did when I was so spun on drugs. I still have some days when I fall into a slump, but the good days over weight the bad. It did take me over 2 yrs for my Brain to balance out. I was told by a Psychologist back in 2012, that I only seen once, that it would take me about 2 yrs and he was right on the spot. However, I started doing drugs and drinking off & on at the age 13-14 and got real hooked on the opiates at a much older age. Just take each day as they come and do not think about the future. ALL of this will balance out and YOU will be just full of good ol natural energy. You will be able to focus better then you ever have in a long time. Make sure you eat healthy and take some good vit/min along the way. Lots of fluids always.
I wish you all the best.
Bless
Vickie

dominosarah · Answer

Make sure you go to that appt. with the counselor.  You deserve to start finally living~

jifmoc · Answer

Hi, I recognized your name, welcome back and I agree w/ all the above posts. Ok, WHEN are you starting aftercare?

Danny111 · Answer

One thing I noticed about the pills towards the end of my using was that while I thought being high was allowing me to work 12 hour days and get all sorts of crap done, at the end of the day/week I was really getting nowhere near the amount of work done that I used to. I'd get to the end of the day and wonder why I still had some many things that I just didn't get to.

dominosarah · Answer

Dont look at all you have in front of you at work.  Figure out what needs to be done first and prioritize.  It is hard to focus when we look at the whole picture.  When you find yourself "wandering", get up and walk around.

Danny111 · Answer

You really have to just give yourself permission not to be as focused as you would like.  It's much more important not to use than it is to be focused.

One thing I noticed was that once I did get myself started with whatever work I was doing(I also work at a desk in an office) I was able to get things done and it really helped pass the time and get me through another clean day(or hour or minute).

Try not to worry about getting things done.  Dwelling on that kind of thing will lead you down the wrong thought paths.  If you have stuff you have to do you'll get it done.  Stuff you can blow off you have to give yourself permission to do so.

motye51 · Answer

I think focus is kind of hard in the beginning. I found my addiction issues were constantly on my mind. As it should be!  Sometimes I found I just had to close my eyes and surrender. Weather you believe in God or not, sometimes I just had to ask him to take my "addict brain" from me, even just for a little while.  I tried to only do one thing at a time.  The first few weeks I wasn't extremely successful but I got through it.  I think Ginko Biloba is for focus and concentration, and it's homeopathic.  Honestly, getting into recovery will help with this also.  We had meetings in my area ALL DAY LONG. Weather A/A or N/A there was always a meeting available of which in the beginning, I went to one early in the morning and one in the evening.  I think you will be amazed at the range of issues that recovery helps with. Not just physical....mental as well.  Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and pushing yourself forwards!  It will get better....just give it a little time.