How long???

[jasonl125]

Hey - First time on here.  I went off Oxy's (a lot of them for a couple of years) a bit over 3 months ago. I also had been shooting steroids, taking Ativan (to help me sleep), othere natural stuff-melatonin and stuff, smoking pot and cigarettes and various anti-depressants from the doc. Now, I am not doing any of those and I am depressed all the time and am thinking that the only way I am going to feel better again is to go back on drugs. I felt good then. Everyone in my house is ready to put up Christmas decorations (which is usually my job mostly) and I said I wasn't doing anything this year. (So, I am punishing everyone in my house I suppose b/c I feel terrible). Anyway, what am I doing? I HATE being at work, HATE being at home and HATE every single weekend. I can't wait for the time to go by.
I went off drugs on my own.

[Lindsay_T]

I agree that if you get on the right antidepressant you can feel better very soon. I would apologize to your family and tell them you are going through a rough time but that you love them. Also you do need a support system. People who will listen, give advice, and tell you that you can stay off the narcotics.

[vicki595]

Hi!  I totally agree with Jaybay!!    Get some support and get some antidepressants from your doctor.  The meds can jumpstart your "feel good" brain chemicals. You took a variety of drugs and they do some damage although it gets better!

You can most definitely feel better. Many of us have been off a variety of drugs and don't feel the way you do...I know how you feel though and just know it can be fixed!  Start being better to your family as well,okay??

[Jaybay]

Congratulations on your clean and sober time!  What you are now experiencing is the reason why home detox plans usually result in failure.  Detox is the easy part.  It's the life, behavior and attitude changes that kick you in the arse.  Those are the things you need help with.  If you read through this forum, you'll see that the long-term success stories involved some form of aftercare, whether through AA or NA or private therapy.

Depression is just an unfortunate part of withdrawal and starting over your new life.  It won't last forever, but since your depression seems to be somewhat debilitating there is nothing wrong with talking to your doctor about taking an antidepressant.  There's nothing wrong with toning down the holiday craziness once in a while, but your depression sounds like it's getting into the danger zone.  Please don't put off making that call to your doctor.