Not wanting to Leave the House After Detox

[kat904]

I have been off Vicodin for 18 days now and I don't feel it's getting better, I feel it's getting worse. I detoxed without any drugs or any help. I did it on my own in my apartment, I still went to work part time too. I am going crazy. I constantly think about going to get more...more...more. I tell myself I can handle it, but then another part of me doesn't want to lose and break my sobriety. I find myself lately not wanting to go anywhere and becoming extremely panicked when I have to leave the house. I go to work and come home and when I close the door I feel safe. When I am not at home I have a hard time breathing and I feel like everything is closing in on me. I was never like this when I was using. I was always out and about, and very social. I wonder if I have become Agorophobic? I tried to go to the salon after work, but I put myself on auto pilot and went straight home at 1:30, I have been here ever since. Not answering the phone and not wanting to leave because of the panic. I won't even go to the grocery store. This morning I actually contemplated calling into work, because I am afraid to leave. What the F is wrong with me? I feel like I am not the same person. I have been to two NA meetings within the past two weeks, and I was freaked out the whole time. I kept thinking that no one wanted me here, I couldn't talk to anyone and raced out the door the second the meeting was over. I can't stay clean if I am panciked all the time, can't go to meetings, and can't vocalize or socialize myself. I am going into my second year of graduate school in Sept. and I am afraid if I don't get help, I won't be able to complete my degree. Has anyone gone through this during and after detox? I think I should seek professional help, however I am not really sure where or who to go to. Can someone please help.

[worried878]

i did this...my mom started getting worried..my friends were concerned as i am usually very social..i worked and came home//that was my life...mine was not from anxiety //atleast i dont think so...more from wanting to stay in surroundings that i was accustomed to...and also a lack of motivation to do anything....i did rocket shots to get out the door for work...it was really depressing cos i felt i was losing my life...not physically but it was like "now i am clean and i have no life"   i cracked down tho and did the aminos..went to the gym whether i wanted to or not..i pushed myself into being where i needed to be..it just took a nudge..but that nudge wasnt there, so i had to kinda make that nudge happen...just know this passes....and keep posting..do not give up on aftercare...u need the support right now

[road2recovery]

First , congrats on your clean time.. I agree with both post above., especially the one about breathing..My worst detox was off of a benzo., and someone told me about the breathing exercise..I swear to you it really works, anxiety is really a horrible feeling and i don't wish that on anyone.
With these days clean, I would maybe try something to help, i am only saying this because you don't want to go back to opiates...i am thinking of a SSRI, Or try the 5Htp..I went c/t off of lortabs, and i had to use something for my anxiety, or i would not have made it...Some can do it without, but remember that no one is the same when it comes to detox, Paws, etc....
Time heals alot, PLEASE try and remember that, i know from me being addicted for over 3 yrs, that it did not take a month for me to be OK, Or normal...Some want to hear that, But  for me it took alot of time..But it was always much better then the chase, money, w/d;s, etc....I hope things get better for you!!
Also, try and get out more, no matter how tough it is, force yourself, and remember your mind is so very powerfull
r2r

[123456m]

Call up some herbal stores and get a herb called skullcap and make a tea do not boil for more than 5 mins. Its the best herb for anxiety and will work.
Peace
Randy

[Ratkos]

The anxiety will ease over time. Unfortunately you will have to deal with it for now. Try concentrating on breathing when this happens. Count to seven inhaling in, then count to eleven breathing out. Do a search on other deep breathing exercises to help keep you calm. Also, focusing on the breath helps take away the relentless thoughts about (and when you panic you become a slave to that anxiety) the anxiety itself. You're mind will fight it, and will drift back into an endless cycle of thinking about your anxiety, but you must fight back. Each time that happens try and return to your breathing, focusing solely on that.

If you have a treadmill, or can take a light walk without freaking out, I'd suggest that too. Maybe do some sit ups, or push ups. Try and eat five small meals that consist of protein and carb. Each veggies and drink plenty of water.

Seeking professional help may not be a bad idea. However I am concerned they may want to put you on another drug to combat these feelings. You need somebody you can call that will come to you during this time, do you have somebody that can fill this role?

I promise the anxiety will slow over time. I can not tell you how much time though, we are all different.

[allaboutmary]

Congrat's on 18 days !  This can be fairly common.  It takes time to be 100% but if it is getting to severe see a doctor.  Maybe an antidepressant would help you get through this. It would be better to do that then to relapse. Be patient with yourself. Try taking a short walk. It will help with the anxiety and get you out of the house.  Hang in there your doing great.