How much of withdrawals is psychological?

[AZKathy]

Of course I know the physical effects are totally real, esp in the first few day, but I've been wondering how much of this whole thing is in my mind here at day 34 now.

I've been told by a chronic pain dr. that w/ds can last up to 6 months, and i sure as heck hope it doesn't take that long - don't know if i'd be able to cope.

I usually have more energy in the morning, then it just evaporates during the day; and from the morning onwards, I just pace the floors all day when I'm not laying down or checking the computer.  It's far too hot here to go outside; it's even been in the 90s in the late evenings and early mornings.

However, I noticed that last week, when I had to work on my computer hookups etc. for 2 whole days, my mind was focused there and the withdrawals weren't nearly so bad.

So I was just wondering if any of you had a figure, like percentage-wise of how much the post-first days of withdrawals are psychological?  Any other ideas for energy booster?  I'll let u all know how that Jumpstart works too, but it won't be shipped until Tuesday.

[AZKathy]

I've decided to try to work on a new casinos forum that I'm just starting - that should keep my brain from thinking about those darned pills - but I'll keep on pacing so that I can keep cleaning up 10 yrs of accumulated junk.  I'm actually eating lunch too, that's about the first time in years also.

When I was taking oxys & percs, I only ate one meal a day, just dinner, usually about 10pm or midnite.  CHANGE IS GOOD!

[AZKathy]

So good to hear from you and thanks so much!

I've been trying to occupy myself by watching movies on tv sometimes, but don't have any books that I haven't read at least twice or jigsaw puzzles.  I DO need to try to find some more books.  What I've been doing, while pacing the floors, lol, is going through things slowly, that have accumulated here during the past ten years.  I've got so much old stuff I didn't even need, I sometimes wonder if I was blind all that time.  I guess all my time before was spent waiting until I could take that next oxy.  What a trip!  

I've been wearing  Ben Gay pads on my neck for the last few days, and that seems to help more than tylenol or advil or anything else for the pain.  Plus I've got an appt. with the chronic pain clinic dr. on Tues., and hopefully he'll take some xrays and do an mri to find out why my head and neck hurt so bad and my arms and hands always tingle.  We'll see... he said before he was going to start giving me shots in my neck so I hope that helps.

Now I think I'll run outside and wait for sara's carrier pigeon to arrive with some sweet treats.
Take care and thank you for being here for me.
Kathy

[IBKleen]

Hi Kathy!

GOD love you for hanging in there. You are my hero!! LOL

I don't know the percentages either, but the psychological withdrawal can be just as bad.

I like Sarah's suggestion about the pool boy but in case you can't find one, how about a good book? A old movie? Jigsaw puzzle? Anything that will occupy your mind. My sponsor used to tell me "If you are in your own mind, you are in bad company". Boy was she right.

So try and keep yourself busy and stay positive. You have come so far.....

[AZKathy]

ok, i'll try to wait .... patiently  :)

[dominosarah]

Just trying to help out!!!  I will try and find a pigeon today and get some DQ to ya!!

[AZKathy]

oy vay sarah, you come up with the greatest ideas! LOL - btw, I'm still waitin for my DQ to arrive... maybe carrier pigeon to az?

and u're definitely right about our minds - oh the tricks they play are just amazing

[dominosarah]

I am not sure percentage wise what the numbers would even be.  I do know i am my own minds worst enemy!!

Suggestions for added energy......hmmm, maybe a 30 yr pool boy??!!!!  LOL