day 12 w/out norcos

[Abomb32]

Man, this weekend was TOUGH!  I don't have any physical discomfort anymore (expect some restless legs at night), but the mental discomfort was terrible. I craved all weekend long. My weekend routine has always been have a few beers and a few pills and do work outside the house all day. Having a few beers while doing yardwork just wasn't the same without the pills. I have a ten year lifestyle that I have to change now.

[Puff01]

Yep that makes complete sense. That is the addition telling you that life is better using. It's a very selfish disease and will do whatever it takes to get you to use. The high you felt will come back and that's a great goal to look forward to and achieve. Remember that was a false high and not the real "normal" you. Someone once told me that my mind is like a tape recorder and I have the power to change the message. When you have the thought how much better it could be if I were high" hit the delete bottom and change the message. the great thing about having control over your own thoughts is, you now have the power. I know it ***** *** but own it and whatever you do don't be ashamed of it. Trust me I deal with the same thoughts and I wish it were not true but I have to put in to practice the same proceeder.

Keep up with the posting!!! I like to hear from people who are dealing with life on life's terms and deal with real issues. Thanks for being open and honest.

[Abomb32]

After using pills to create enjoyment in my life, I don't think I'll ever be "normal" again. I almost feel like once you've tasted that super high, anything else will pale in comparison. Does that make sense? I'm afraid that even if I can find joy in everyday things again, the back of my mind will always be telling me how much better it could be if I were high. I don't know if anyone can relate to what I'm trying to say, but that's what I'm struggling with right now.

[Puff01]

I totally understand were you are coming from. I too did work outside this weekend, boy it was different without the pills. But I did feel good about the fact that I did do it without them. It's like I conquered something and I can look at and say I did it and I did it without the pills. I wasn't even going to work outside for an other week or two but now that I'm sober I had to find something else to do.
I personally would watch out for what you call normal. What is normal? This is normal and a way of life that puts graduated in it for us. We are all different and what we call normal is normal for us. What you did this weekend is normal for you and way to go. We can not look at other people for an example of what to do. We have to search with in and discover what is truly ourself.  Then and only then can we say "that is normal for me" and not by some other standard. I don't know if I explain myself well but I just believe that we should be what we are and learn how to enjoy the ride.

[Abomb32]

"Once they're gone you have to relearn how to enjoy life without being high". That statement is absolutely, exactly what I am going through. And I knew before I quit that this would be the hardest part. For ten years, pills were my number one priority everyday. Now, I need to re-arrange my priorities like normal people.

[Danny111]

Hey man, the tough part isn't the wd's.  It's what to do after they're gone.  During the physical wd's it's easy to feel like you'll never use again 'cause you feel bad.  Once they're gone you have to relearn how to enjoy life without being high.  That's the tough part.  

Have you thought about going to AA or NA or something similar?  Some type of aftercare really seems to help a lot of folks.