Aa
opiate withdrawl
Im a 26 yr old female mommy of 2, and while my friends and family would be shocked to learn I have in fact been a opiate addict for 6 complete long terrifying years. I'm the glue of our family extended and immediate, the one those turn to for help the one with the good head on there shoulders! Ha yet I'm a money smuggler from the household lying thief opiate addict! I've finally admitted that to myself recently. So I took my on advice and after about 6 months I'm at the point where I can get through a day or two with little to no withdrawals, I also on days I do use have gotten to a max of 3 500mg vicoden. So I'm now at a point were im lost BC i didn't know till know the physical isn't even the half of it, the mental is and there's little advice forums for it! Someone please help me with how to cope with the anxiety, the painful thoughts of all the horrible lies I've told the past 6 yrs, and the slew of other issues I've been bidding behind opiates from! So i can quit mow before i end up back on the uphill battle of winging down! Help me quit while im ahead.
mommy_ss I hope I can offer you some help. My addiction wasn't for as long but it was there. I was never even prescribed percs just got them from places. I have always been such an independent person single momma. On my 5th day of withdrawal. I was having a horrible terrible day. I just Didnt wanna get outta bed couldnt stop crying. Tried to sleep it off heart racing thinkin abt the things I had done while on pills. So utterly ashamed. I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. Mind you those 5 days felt like a month of pure hell physically and mentally. That 5 th day I had this strong urge to tell my mom. I have always told her everything. Nobody new or even would have suspected me to use ever!!! I was so afraid of what she might say or maybe she think I was a junkie. She has never even been drunk a day in her life. Very straight edge. I couldnt get ahold of her the first attempts and when I did. I broke down crying my eyes out sobbing telling her. I told her how sorry I was to put this on her. It was an amazing weight lifted. She was so understanding and so willing to help me with this. She was willingto do what it took to help me get better. After that weight was lifted it made things so much easier. She still doesn't completly understand what Im going thru but it just felt like such a weight lifted and also a motivator. I Cant relapse again and dissappoint her and my kids are my biggest motivator also in kickin out these demons. I have struggled with worry anxiety depression most of my adult life. So I say if I can make it thru these horribly depressing days than anyone can!!. I wish you luck. There are lots of cool ppl here for support. This alone has been a big help. Im day 12 clean it wasnt easy getting here and I still have rough days ahead but. Im definatly seeing that thisccan be done without lookin back!
I hadn't seen the bit about shaky hands in the morning. Rhodiola probably isn't for you in this stage of the process, then, but keep it in mind if you find yourself with both low energy and low mood.
I agree that Clonidine could be a huge help for you in the acute phase.
I agree that Clonidine could be a huge help for you in the acute phase.
I hadn't seen the bit about shaky hands in the morning. Rhodiola probably isn't for you in this stage of the process, then, but keep it in mind if you find yourself with both low energy and low mood.
I agree that Clonidine could be a huge help for you in the acute phase.
I agree that Clonidine could be a huge help for you in the acute phase.
Part 3:
"2. MAXIMIZING NERVE CONDUCTION. or How to Increase Electrical Conductivity WITHIN Neurons.
The portion of your body that is re-learning its own equilibrium WITHOUT OPIATES is essentially an aquatic salt-water ecosystem that runs almost entirely off electrolytes (+ and - particles called "ions" dissolved in solution) and VERY THIN membranes. These membranes are "semi-permeable" which means that with some assistance from various proteins, these membranes allow your body to separate and partition off positively-charged & negatively-charged ions. This creates VOLTAGE--the difference in charges across a membrane or "potential energy."
You can imagine the separated + and - ions as being like a battery. As long as the membranes are intact and your body is able to separate positives from negatives, then your batteries are "charged." But, if you punch a hole in one of the membranes or stop actively separating out positives from negatives, you end up with a lifeless or DEAD battery. ions from
Anytime you 'fire' off a neuron, an "ON" signal is propagated from somewhere deep inside the brain, along a LOOOONG axon, that ends by terminating into either another neuron (inside the brain) or somewhere else outside the brain (like a muscle or a salivary gland, for example).
If you were to tell yourself, "I am now Lifting my right fore-finger," then a neuron in your brain's motor cortex will first "fire" using a neurotransmitter. But the signal actually travels all the way down on a single neuron from the brain to your right arm. All the way down a discrete "wire" found in a bundle of other wires (your spinal cord) until the single nerve cell finally ends on muscles in your forearm where ANOTHER neurotransmitter is released, cause you to LIFT YOUR RIGHT FOREFINGER.
Why the description? well, the FIRST step involved in this example involves a neurotransmitter. In this case, the neurotransmitter is called acetyl-choline... but there are plenty of other neurotransmitters whose functions are to transmit various ideas, emotions, reactions, reflexes, memories, etc.
The SPECIFIC neurotransmitter you're missing is ENDORPHIN. Earlier in this post, I listed suggestions to help you SHOWER your brain with endorphin--and these will make you feel much better. If you can assimilate some or all of these activities into your daily routine, then you'll not only be back to normal very soon, BUT (swear to GOD) you'll actually FEEL MUCH BETTER THAN YOU DID ON OPIATES!!!
The reason I went thru the whole explanation of the + and - ions, the function of cell membranes to partition off these charged particles, and how that nerves & thus your entire brain FUNCTIONS by using a continuous flow of ions in and out of various partitions is because I want you to really REALLY UNDERSTAND something about how our bodies work.
You see, all this fine detail about nerve transmission can ONLY take place under ONE condition. And this is one of the most convincing arguments for evolution that I've ever heard… The ONLY PERFECT ENVIRONMENT for the proper flow of electricity and nerve conduction is found---IN THE OCEAN!
Fortunately, our body's have a "waxy coat" of skin that traps the ocean INSIDE US!
So, whenever you hear someone say "SALT IS BAD FOR YOU", you can tell them they would be DEAD if it weren't for the salt they eat!
Without getting too involved in this, just know that your body has exquisite mechanisms for hanging onto precious minerals and filtering out 'excess' ions. This is mostly done by the kidneys. HOWEVER, your body has NO WAY of either DILUTING or CREATING electrolytes. (i.e. sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, & trace minerals)
So, HOW CAN YOU ASSIST YOUR BODY IN ACHIEVING THIS OPTIMUM AQUEOUS ENVIRONMENT???
Simple. Drink plenty of water. Plain water. Not colas, not coffee, not beer. Your body will utilize pure water to form the MOST PERFECT, EXACT ion levels in the various partitioned areas. Unlike what many people believe, drinking extra water does NOT go straight into your ****!! Rather, the water goes from your GI tract, into your bloodstream where it is then dispersed EVENLY throughout every single cell in your body!
That's right…when you drink a glass of pure water, that water becomes almost instantly available to EACH AND EVERY CELL IN YOUR BODY, in order beginning with those cells which NEED WATER THE MOST! So, those cells which urgently need this pure water will get 'first dibs', and so on until the water has been evenly dispersed.
What do the cells DO WITH this pure water??
Rejuvenate Cell Processes/Restore Cellular Health. First off, the new water allows overly-concentrated, sluggish, toxic (dehydrated) cells to return to their original healthy size, shape, & texture. You may recall from biology that a single water (H2O) molecule is generated in cellular energy generation (called respiration). Glucose and Oxygen are transformed into energy, releasing CO2, and H2O. Well, if your teachers were like mine, they neglected to teach how important pre-EXISTING H2O was for this energy to be produced in the first place! Without a surplus of pure H2O, NONE of this energy can be produced!!
Eliminate Toxins. This pure water is necessary for your muscles (and other cells) to mobilize their toxic byproducts for excretion in to the urine. Plus, the additional water will optimize sub-cellular activities that have become erratic or sub-optimal from dehydration, built-up waste materials, and are living in an overall unbalanced, unhealthy state. These molecular-level processes will be cleansed by way of excessive hydration, dilution of toxins, and toxic elimination when these toxins are absorbed along with excess water into the bloodstream and almost immediately filtered into the urine. This 'flooding' leads to a "clean slate" on a sub-cellular level, which then allows the cell's energy production to normalize, which translates into higher energy, more energy efficiency on the tissue & organ level which affects the energy and health that we "FEEL" as organisms!!
Enhance Normal Nerve Conduction Velocity. Remember all that talk about positive and negative ions being separated by membranes to form a 'biological battery'?? Well, one of the most vitally important pieces of the nerve-conduction puzzle is adequate hydration! Adequate hydration allows nerves to conduct their signals FASTER and also allows each nerve to 'reset itself' FASTER as well! So, in essence, adding pure water into your body will make your brain and muscles faster and more efficient--as though your neurotransmitter levels were actually HIGHER--when in reality, you haven't done anything to change your neurotransmitter levels!
When your urine has any yellow coloration or smells, this signifies waste products and toxins that your body must ELIMINATE in order to create this perfect aqueous environment for your nerve cells, muscles, and every tissue.
HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD YOU DRINK? honestly, everyone is different. People going through drug withdrawal require more water than someone whose tissues are already in equilibrium. Your need for 'extra' water during times of stress or drug detoxification will be obvious by the color and smell of your urine."
"2. MAXIMIZING NERVE CONDUCTION. or How to Increase Electrical Conductivity WITHIN Neurons.
The portion of your body that is re-learning its own equilibrium WITHOUT OPIATES is essentially an aquatic salt-water ecosystem that runs almost entirely off electrolytes (+ and - particles called "ions" dissolved in solution) and VERY THIN membranes. These membranes are "semi-permeable" which means that with some assistance from various proteins, these membranes allow your body to separate and partition off positively-charged & negatively-charged ions. This creates VOLTAGE--the difference in charges across a membrane or "potential energy."
You can imagine the separated + and - ions as being like a battery. As long as the membranes are intact and your body is able to separate positives from negatives, then your batteries are "charged." But, if you punch a hole in one of the membranes or stop actively separating out positives from negatives, you end up with a lifeless or DEAD battery. ions from
Anytime you 'fire' off a neuron, an "ON" signal is propagated from somewhere deep inside the brain, along a LOOOONG axon, that ends by terminating into either another neuron (inside the brain) or somewhere else outside the brain (like a muscle or a salivary gland, for example).
If you were to tell yourself, "I am now Lifting my right fore-finger," then a neuron in your brain's motor cortex will first "fire" using a neurotransmitter. But the signal actually travels all the way down on a single neuron from the brain to your right arm. All the way down a discrete "wire" found in a bundle of other wires (your spinal cord) until the single nerve cell finally ends on muscles in your forearm where ANOTHER neurotransmitter is released, cause you to LIFT YOUR RIGHT FOREFINGER.
Why the description? well, the FIRST step involved in this example involves a neurotransmitter. In this case, the neurotransmitter is called acetyl-choline... but there are plenty of other neurotransmitters whose functions are to transmit various ideas, emotions, reactions, reflexes, memories, etc.
The SPECIFIC neurotransmitter you're missing is ENDORPHIN. Earlier in this post, I listed suggestions to help you SHOWER your brain with endorphin--and these will make you feel much better. If you can assimilate some or all of these activities into your daily routine, then you'll not only be back to normal very soon, BUT (swear to GOD) you'll actually FEEL MUCH BETTER THAN YOU DID ON OPIATES!!!
The reason I went thru the whole explanation of the + and - ions, the function of cell membranes to partition off these charged particles, and how that nerves & thus your entire brain FUNCTIONS by using a continuous flow of ions in and out of various partitions is because I want you to really REALLY UNDERSTAND something about how our bodies work.
You see, all this fine detail about nerve transmission can ONLY take place under ONE condition. And this is one of the most convincing arguments for evolution that I've ever heard… The ONLY PERFECT ENVIRONMENT for the proper flow of electricity and nerve conduction is found---IN THE OCEAN!
Fortunately, our body's have a "waxy coat" of skin that traps the ocean INSIDE US!
So, whenever you hear someone say "SALT IS BAD FOR YOU", you can tell them they would be DEAD if it weren't for the salt they eat!
Without getting too involved in this, just know that your body has exquisite mechanisms for hanging onto precious minerals and filtering out 'excess' ions. This is mostly done by the kidneys. HOWEVER, your body has NO WAY of either DILUTING or CREATING electrolytes. (i.e. sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, & trace minerals)
So, HOW CAN YOU ASSIST YOUR BODY IN ACHIEVING THIS OPTIMUM AQUEOUS ENVIRONMENT???
Simple. Drink plenty of water. Plain water. Not colas, not coffee, not beer. Your body will utilize pure water to form the MOST PERFECT, EXACT ion levels in the various partitioned areas. Unlike what many people believe, drinking extra water does NOT go straight into your ****!! Rather, the water goes from your GI tract, into your bloodstream where it is then dispersed EVENLY throughout every single cell in your body!
That's right…when you drink a glass of pure water, that water becomes almost instantly available to EACH AND EVERY CELL IN YOUR BODY, in order beginning with those cells which NEED WATER THE MOST! So, those cells which urgently need this pure water will get 'first dibs', and so on until the water has been evenly dispersed.
What do the cells DO WITH this pure water??
Rejuvenate Cell Processes/Restore Cellular Health. First off, the new water allows overly-concentrated, sluggish, toxic (dehydrated) cells to return to their original healthy size, shape, & texture. You may recall from biology that a single water (H2O) molecule is generated in cellular energy generation (called respiration). Glucose and Oxygen are transformed into energy, releasing CO2, and H2O. Well, if your teachers were like mine, they neglected to teach how important pre-EXISTING H2O was for this energy to be produced in the first place! Without a surplus of pure H2O, NONE of this energy can be produced!!
Eliminate Toxins. This pure water is necessary for your muscles (and other cells) to mobilize their toxic byproducts for excretion in to the urine. Plus, the additional water will optimize sub-cellular activities that have become erratic or sub-optimal from dehydration, built-up waste materials, and are living in an overall unbalanced, unhealthy state. These molecular-level processes will be cleansed by way of excessive hydration, dilution of toxins, and toxic elimination when these toxins are absorbed along with excess water into the bloodstream and almost immediately filtered into the urine. This 'flooding' leads to a "clean slate" on a sub-cellular level, which then allows the cell's energy production to normalize, which translates into higher energy, more energy efficiency on the tissue & organ level which affects the energy and health that we "FEEL" as organisms!!
Enhance Normal Nerve Conduction Velocity. Remember all that talk about positive and negative ions being separated by membranes to form a 'biological battery'?? Well, one of the most vitally important pieces of the nerve-conduction puzzle is adequate hydration! Adequate hydration allows nerves to conduct their signals FASTER and also allows each nerve to 'reset itself' FASTER as well! So, in essence, adding pure water into your body will make your brain and muscles faster and more efficient--as though your neurotransmitter levels were actually HIGHER--when in reality, you haven't done anything to change your neurotransmitter levels!
When your urine has any yellow coloration or smells, this signifies waste products and toxins that your body must ELIMINATE in order to create this perfect aqueous environment for your nerve cells, muscles, and every tissue.
HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD YOU DRINK? honestly, everyone is different. People going through drug withdrawal require more water than someone whose tissues are already in equilibrium. Your need for 'extra' water during times of stress or drug detoxification will be obvious by the color and smell of your urine."
Part two:
"Common activities known to boost endorphin levels/satisfy cravings:
Chocolate. Chocolate has a mild effect on endorphins.
Candy. Actually any kind of sugary candy boosts natural endorphin levels. Candy helps most with early stages of withdrawal. Lab mice experiments have shown sugary sweets appease craving after abruptly cessation of morphine. Swim practically LIVED on Reese's Pieces, sour candies, M&M's, and those 'tiny' Hershey Kisses for 8 TO 10 WEEKS! Note: he did not gain or lose weight during this time.
Exercise. This is #1. Force yourself to walk out the front door. FORCE YOURSELF to walk 2-3 blocks from your front door…then you turn around and get 2-3 additional blocks in for good measure. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH!!! The best exercise is running/jogging/spinning/anything aerobic. Second best is walking or yoga. Somewhere in-between the two is weight lifting. Weight lifting or resistance-training can be done in a fraction of the time and there is evidence to show that this kind of exercise might benefit the MOST at the late stages of withdrawal (i.e. insomnia from 'restless legs').
Quote:
some medical professionals believe the positive feeling you get when you meet a physical challenge, rather than the exertion itself, is what stimulates the endorphin release....(how much endorphin-release you get) is all about intensity and duration.
*
Accomplishment. That's right. Any kind of accomplishments. Small ones, big ones. Just be sure you're PLANNING and EXECUTING daily. Anything that fosters a feeling of self-accomplishment and PRIDE will cause your brain to squirt out some Endogenous Morphine.
Sex. Orgasms release endorphins. You've probably already figured this one out… OR--more likely, you've noticed that your sex drive has gone down to almost NOTHING while on opiates. This is normal. I can explain the hormones of it later if you're interested. The point is, you've replaced the endorphin-rush of sex with one that requires no build-up, no mess, and no chance of rejection. Do not feel embarrassed if you become a masturbation machine. This is also a normal part of recovery. Eventually, the sex act itself will be overshadowed by the LOVE aspect.
Love. Love is a complicated emotion. It's the fuel for poets, playwrights since recorded history and the need for it traces all the way back to the first man and woman. HOWEVER!! SEXUAL LOVE IS *NOT* WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT HERE!!!! Ultimately, your most long-lasting, gratifying experiences outside of drugs will come from the experience of giving AND RECEIVING love. Get creative with this. Love your enemies. Remember people's names. Start remembering birthdays. Surprise someone with your generosity. Next time you mow the lawn, cut your neighbor's grass…and take his trash out to the street. Donate time to feeding the homeless. There's literally TENS OF THOUSANDS of small things you can do to put forth love out into the world. *THIS* is the true secret to learning how to live without opiates! And believe it or not, the rewards are MUCH GREATER than even the best heroin you'll ever do!!! But you've got to get up and DO SOMETHING!
Sleep. Eventually---like in 4-6 months from now--your body's autonomic nervous system will stop being 'revved-up' all the time. Eventually, you will be able to sleep again without having to knock yourself in the head with a sledgehammer! When this day comes, BE PREPARED! Start going to bed as early as possible, to allow yourself a good 7 or 8 hours of restful sleep. Your endorphin levels will naturally increase from the circadian rhythm, plus you'll allow yourself the luxury of copious dreaming--not only endorphin-releasing, but overall will make your days more relaxing and give your psyche plenty of time to play.
Eat a hot Chili Pepper. *
Quote:
The rush you get after holding one on your tongue is likely due to your body's protective response. "Chewing a hot pepper can release endorphins centrally and on the tongue," says Dr. Hirsch. Why? To reduce pain, of course.
Think Positive Thoughts.* Placebos, prayer and positive thinking all trigger endorphin release according to Dr. Slotnick.
Get Emotionally Moved *
Quote:
Dr. Fuhrman says that viewing beautiful art, watching a touching dramatic scene or even listening to an inspiring piece of music can produce endorphins. "A person who gets pleasure in life, from whatever source, will keep endorphins at a healthy level," he says.
Undergo Acupuncture.*
Quote:
"Putting needles into the body is a release," says Dr. Fuhrman, "and it may trigger endorphin production." Also, acupuncture patients benefit from a placebo effect -- they believe that the process is working, so it really does, says Dr. Fuhrman. Talk about the brain's power.
Endorphin factor: 3 (NOTE: HIGHEST LEVEL). People who use acupuncture tend to be positive thinkers, which adds to the effects.
Be Afraid.*
Quote:
Whether you're watching a horror movie... or feeling a rush of wind in your hair as you plummet down a steep incline on a roller coaster, fear causes endorphin release. Why do you think extreme sports are so popular? No one wants to get hurt; it's just fun (in a twisted kind of way) to cheat death. "The thrill of a high-speed ride induces a positive mood state that can leave you giddy," says Dr. Hirsch. And Freddy Krueger can do it for you too. Who knew he was such a heartthrob?
Watch a Funny Movie or TV Show. More specifically, research has proven that simply the expectation of watching one's favorite funny movie releases Beta-endorphin and human growth hormone.** Go ahead and buy the Seinfeld Box DVD."
...
"Common activities known to boost endorphin levels/satisfy cravings:
Chocolate. Chocolate has a mild effect on endorphins.
Candy. Actually any kind of sugary candy boosts natural endorphin levels. Candy helps most with early stages of withdrawal. Lab mice experiments have shown sugary sweets appease craving after abruptly cessation of morphine. Swim practically LIVED on Reese's Pieces, sour candies, M&M's, and those 'tiny' Hershey Kisses for 8 TO 10 WEEKS! Note: he did not gain or lose weight during this time.
Exercise. This is #1. Force yourself to walk out the front door. FORCE YOURSELF to walk 2-3 blocks from your front door…then you turn around and get 2-3 additional blocks in for good measure. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH!!! The best exercise is running/jogging/spinning/anything aerobic. Second best is walking or yoga. Somewhere in-between the two is weight lifting. Weight lifting or resistance-training can be done in a fraction of the time and there is evidence to show that this kind of exercise might benefit the MOST at the late stages of withdrawal (i.e. insomnia from 'restless legs').
Quote:
some medical professionals believe the positive feeling you get when you meet a physical challenge, rather than the exertion itself, is what stimulates the endorphin release....(how much endorphin-release you get) is all about intensity and duration.
*
Accomplishment. That's right. Any kind of accomplishments. Small ones, big ones. Just be sure you're PLANNING and EXECUTING daily. Anything that fosters a feeling of self-accomplishment and PRIDE will cause your brain to squirt out some Endogenous Morphine.
Sex. Orgasms release endorphins. You've probably already figured this one out… OR--more likely, you've noticed that your sex drive has gone down to almost NOTHING while on opiates. This is normal. I can explain the hormones of it later if you're interested. The point is, you've replaced the endorphin-rush of sex with one that requires no build-up, no mess, and no chance of rejection. Do not feel embarrassed if you become a masturbation machine. This is also a normal part of recovery. Eventually, the sex act itself will be overshadowed by the LOVE aspect.
Love. Love is a complicated emotion. It's the fuel for poets, playwrights since recorded history and the need for it traces all the way back to the first man and woman. HOWEVER!! SEXUAL LOVE IS *NOT* WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT HERE!!!! Ultimately, your most long-lasting, gratifying experiences outside of drugs will come from the experience of giving AND RECEIVING love. Get creative with this. Love your enemies. Remember people's names. Start remembering birthdays. Surprise someone with your generosity. Next time you mow the lawn, cut your neighbor's grass…and take his trash out to the street. Donate time to feeding the homeless. There's literally TENS OF THOUSANDS of small things you can do to put forth love out into the world. *THIS* is the true secret to learning how to live without opiates! And believe it or not, the rewards are MUCH GREATER than even the best heroin you'll ever do!!! But you've got to get up and DO SOMETHING!
Sleep. Eventually---like in 4-6 months from now--your body's autonomic nervous system will stop being 'revved-up' all the time. Eventually, you will be able to sleep again without having to knock yourself in the head with a sledgehammer! When this day comes, BE PREPARED! Start going to bed as early as possible, to allow yourself a good 7 or 8 hours of restful sleep. Your endorphin levels will naturally increase from the circadian rhythm, plus you'll allow yourself the luxury of copious dreaming--not only endorphin-releasing, but overall will make your days more relaxing and give your psyche plenty of time to play.
Eat a hot Chili Pepper. *
Quote:
The rush you get after holding one on your tongue is likely due to your body's protective response. "Chewing a hot pepper can release endorphins centrally and on the tongue," says Dr. Hirsch. Why? To reduce pain, of course.
Think Positive Thoughts.* Placebos, prayer and positive thinking all trigger endorphin release according to Dr. Slotnick.
Get Emotionally Moved *
Quote:
Dr. Fuhrman says that viewing beautiful art, watching a touching dramatic scene or even listening to an inspiring piece of music can produce endorphins. "A person who gets pleasure in life, from whatever source, will keep endorphins at a healthy level," he says.
Undergo Acupuncture.*
Quote:
"Putting needles into the body is a release," says Dr. Fuhrman, "and it may trigger endorphin production." Also, acupuncture patients benefit from a placebo effect -- they believe that the process is working, so it really does, says Dr. Fuhrman. Talk about the brain's power.
Endorphin factor: 3 (NOTE: HIGHEST LEVEL). People who use acupuncture tend to be positive thinkers, which adds to the effects.
Be Afraid.*
Quote:
Whether you're watching a horror movie... or feeling a rush of wind in your hair as you plummet down a steep incline on a roller coaster, fear causes endorphin release. Why do you think extreme sports are so popular? No one wants to get hurt; it's just fun (in a twisted kind of way) to cheat death. "The thrill of a high-speed ride induces a positive mood state that can leave you giddy," says Dr. Hirsch. And Freddy Krueger can do it for you too. Who knew he was such a heartthrob?
Watch a Funny Movie or TV Show. More specifically, research has proven that simply the expectation of watching one's favorite funny movie releases Beta-endorphin and human growth hormone.** Go ahead and buy the Seinfeld Box DVD."
...
Here's part one of the PAWS info I mentioned: it's from drugsforum but in general I don't recommend that site as it can be triggering.
"[This thread is for help with PAWS, i.e. listing anything you may find helpful to combat PAWS. It is not a place for personal experiences except in so far as they relate to the efficacy or otherwise of something used to help get through PAWS. Please do not post general personal experiences here. But post them here http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=130010 or start a journal thread of your own. Thank you - Dickon]
Many people addicted to oxys, hydro, heroin, fentayl, or other opiates are concerned about what to expect AFTER the initial WITHDRAWAL period (~3-10 days, depends on the drug).
The reality of Recovering from Opiate addiction is that there is an initial "HELL" period (immediate withdrawal) that is followed by a much longer, much milder period of time while the body is fine-tuning the nervous system, and while the body's own endogenous opiate system (endorphin) is recuperating.
There are 2 basic stages of opiate withdrawal.
The Short-lived, Acute, intense, immediate withdrawal which occurs directly after stopping all opiates. "clucking", shakes, profuse sweating, chills, gooseflesh, body temperature instability, autonomic instability, "revved-up," diarrhea, cramping, bone pain, mental anguish, etc. (takes ~3 to 10 days depending on the half-life of the drug)
PAWS or "Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome." This is the more drawn-out phase of withdrawal...as the body learns to cope without the drugs. includes boredom, insomnia, self-doubt, 'restless legs,' depression.
I believe from my own experience, combined with reports from recovering opiate addicts and the physiology involved that the initial withdrawal is the big, feared MONSTER associated with feelings of sickness and delirium, whereas PAWS can be extremely different for different people. PAWS seems to be more akin to a "waiting game" with fears of overwhelming boredom than an acute sickness. The most important thing to remember during PAWS is AWARENESS that PAWS IS ONLY TEMPORARY!
With time, PAWS will go away!! In fact, with few exceptions, it seems that with every passing week, PAWS symptoms can be demonstrated as improving--sometimes DRAMATICALLY compared to the weeks prior.
Some Reasons why PAWS takes several months to get over:
Behavioral changes are necessary in order to learn new and solid pathways for the brain's reward circuit, and
It takes MUCH LONGER for your effective neurotransmitter levels and nerve conduction parameters to return to normal, pre-addiction levels.
And depending on your expectations and how you approach these critical 're-building' and 're-organizing' phases, will go far in how well you'll feel during and after withdrawal.
What can be done to HELP your nerve conduction while re-equilibrating to life without opiates? (or--"How to Maximize Your Neuronal Signaling During Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome.")
Boost the deficient neurotransmitters.
Maximize electrical conduction ALONG the nerve.
1. BOOSTING THE DEFICIENT NEUROTRANSMITTERS.
First, let's talk about boosting the neurotransmitters. For the opiate addict, this means SPECIFICALLY "ENDORPHIN"---short for "Endogenously Produced Morphine" aka "Endomorphine" aka "ENDORPHIN."
There are some things you should know about endorphins. They are the body's natural opiate. Endorphin is released naturally in response to pain, orgasm, exercise, laughter, positive thoughts, secondary messengers responsible for fevers & immune responses, and there are other potential triggers including prayer.
These tips may not seem like earth-shattering phenomena by themselves, but believe me, when these steps are clustered and performed regularly, THEY REALLY DO HELP!!! "
...
"[This thread is for help with PAWS, i.e. listing anything you may find helpful to combat PAWS. It is not a place for personal experiences except in so far as they relate to the efficacy or otherwise of something used to help get through PAWS. Please do not post general personal experiences here. But post them here http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=130010 or start a journal thread of your own. Thank you - Dickon]
Many people addicted to oxys, hydro, heroin, fentayl, or other opiates are concerned about what to expect AFTER the initial WITHDRAWAL period (~3-10 days, depends on the drug).
The reality of Recovering from Opiate addiction is that there is an initial "HELL" period (immediate withdrawal) that is followed by a much longer, much milder period of time while the body is fine-tuning the nervous system, and while the body's own endogenous opiate system (endorphin) is recuperating.
There are 2 basic stages of opiate withdrawal.
The Short-lived, Acute, intense, immediate withdrawal which occurs directly after stopping all opiates. "clucking", shakes, profuse sweating, chills, gooseflesh, body temperature instability, autonomic instability, "revved-up," diarrhea, cramping, bone pain, mental anguish, etc. (takes ~3 to 10 days depending on the half-life of the drug)
PAWS or "Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome." This is the more drawn-out phase of withdrawal...as the body learns to cope without the drugs. includes boredom, insomnia, self-doubt, 'restless legs,' depression.
I believe from my own experience, combined with reports from recovering opiate addicts and the physiology involved that the initial withdrawal is the big, feared MONSTER associated with feelings of sickness and delirium, whereas PAWS can be extremely different for different people. PAWS seems to be more akin to a "waiting game" with fears of overwhelming boredom than an acute sickness. The most important thing to remember during PAWS is AWARENESS that PAWS IS ONLY TEMPORARY!
With time, PAWS will go away!! In fact, with few exceptions, it seems that with every passing week, PAWS symptoms can be demonstrated as improving--sometimes DRAMATICALLY compared to the weeks prior.
Some Reasons why PAWS takes several months to get over:
Behavioral changes are necessary in order to learn new and solid pathways for the brain's reward circuit, and
It takes MUCH LONGER for your effective neurotransmitter levels and nerve conduction parameters to return to normal, pre-addiction levels.
And depending on your expectations and how you approach these critical 're-building' and 're-organizing' phases, will go far in how well you'll feel during and after withdrawal.
What can be done to HELP your nerve conduction while re-equilibrating to life without opiates? (or--"How to Maximize Your Neuronal Signaling During Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome.")
Boost the deficient neurotransmitters.
Maximize electrical conduction ALONG the nerve.
1. BOOSTING THE DEFICIENT NEUROTRANSMITTERS.
First, let's talk about boosting the neurotransmitters. For the opiate addict, this means SPECIFICALLY "ENDORPHIN"---short for "Endogenously Produced Morphine" aka "Endomorphine" aka "ENDORPHIN."
There are some things you should know about endorphins. They are the body's natural opiate. Endorphin is released naturally in response to pain, orgasm, exercise, laughter, positive thoughts, secondary messengers responsible for fevers & immune responses, and there are other potential triggers including prayer.
These tips may not seem like earth-shattering phenomena by themselves, but believe me, when these steps are clustered and performed regularly, THEY REALLY DO HELP!!! "
...
Congratulations!!! You've done a great job of getting to a jumping off place and gathering info before you do so is so smart.
You may get off easy, just leave yourself open to that possibility.
I perusef a post on another forum and I bookmarked it in case I end up needing to refer to it. I'm 3 weeks off hydro and 5 weeks off a long run with Tramadol. It may be easy to become complacent and forget the way things were on pills, and start thinking "Is this all there is? Is this blah feeling what I worked so hard for?" I find that a little perspective goes a long way toward minimizing that. i come here and read posts by people who want so badly just to be off the roller coaster, and all the details and feelings come back to me. I then think, "Well, so this blah feeling is just life sometimes, and if I just ride it out, another good day or week is around the corner."
Keeping a journal here or an ongoing thread can give you a one-stop shop for reading material that will remind you what you went through to quit. I did, and it helps me to read it.
Best of luck to you! Oh--and I take Rhodiola rosea, a natural and ancient mood- and energy- boosting supplement. I think it helps me with the blahs.
You may get off easy, just leave yourself open to that possibility.
I perusef a post on another forum and I bookmarked it in case I end up needing to refer to it. I'm 3 weeks off hydro and 5 weeks off a long run with Tramadol. It may be easy to become complacent and forget the way things were on pills, and start thinking "Is this all there is? Is this blah feeling what I worked so hard for?" I find that a little perspective goes a long way toward minimizing that. i come here and read posts by people who want so badly just to be off the roller coaster, and all the details and feelings come back to me. I then think, "Well, so this blah feeling is just life sometimes, and if I just ride it out, another good day or week is around the corner."
Keeping a journal here or an ongoing thread can give you a one-stop shop for reading material that will remind you what you went through to quit. I did, and it helps me to read it.
Best of luck to you! Oh--and I take Rhodiola rosea, a natural and ancient mood- and energy- boosting supplement. I think it helps me with the blahs.
You may not find out. It depends on if anyone here has experience in your area. I did a google search and found this....
http://www.therapytribe.com/Therapists/Ohio-OH/Akron/Addictions-or-Substance-Abuse
You could call your insurance and see if they have any on their list. Also, talk to your doctor if you can for a referral.
One thing I wanted to mention....if you have been addicted the whole of your marriage...well, you are going to be a different person now. Your husband may notice the difference after awhile. We don't really realize the differences as we slowly succumb to the pills...but I have been told that by my family.
http://www.therapytribe.com/Therapists/Ohio-OH/Akron/Addictions-or-Substance-Abuse
You could call your insurance and see if they have any on their list. Also, talk to your doctor if you can for a referral.
One thing I wanted to mention....if you have been addicted the whole of your marriage...well, you are going to be a different person now. Your husband may notice the difference after awhile. We don't really realize the differences as we slowly succumb to the pills...but I have been told that by my family.
I still would really appreciate any advice or referral on private therapist in Akron Ohio area who's skills would fit my needs again I do have a decent insurance plan, so I'm open for suggestions. I think that's my best bet
Don't feel bad, ur fine! Its time to hear the truth now! Lying to myself got me here!
I feel bad for throwing that all at you, when you probably have so much on your plate already. First things first:) I am happy that you are finding a little peace already.
Allison..
Allison..
Thanks everyone for the advice so far, like I said before this is my first time ever discussing this, and that alone is giving me that calming feeling in the pit of my stomach you know what I mean? Anyways does anyone know of any good private therapist/ counselers whom iether are general practice with good addiction knowledge? In the Akron Ohio area? I know of several drug consolers (I've taken several people to them) but ide rather a broader approach as at 19 b 4 my addiction I was diagnosed with ptsd.after my ex tried to take me out for good, though he overdosed and died 3 yrs ago so I'm not sure if I still hold the same issue or not, but id like a therapiast that could handle it all and not bouncing me between docs. I do have a majority accepted insurance that's pretty decent. Use appreciate any refreals
As far as telling your husband goes, that has to be your decision. BUT, I believe that your chances for success in recovery go way up if you are honest, and not hiding yet another thing from the people who you love. Our secrets keep us sick. I can't explain the weight that was lifted off of my shoulders when my family found out. I had been lying, and hiding for so long, and there was nothing to hide anymore.. They were so proud of me for getting help, and so supportive. My husband is a bit of a Neanderthal (haha), he sees everything in black and white, and can be a little intolerant, with my less functional family members, etc. He stuck by me like I never imagined, after all the sh*tty things I did to him (lying, stealing, pawning things), because he loves me. As many will attest, the best things you can do to recover are, cut your sources, which it sounds like you did, tell your secret, and find aftercare, however that looks to you. NA, outpatient, etc.
And yes, I feel normal, in fact I feel better than I did before I started using. I have learned so much in this process, and I look at everything differently now. It's all new again, and I am so grateful for every day I have with my family. I almost lost them, partly because I didn't want anyone to find out how messed up I was by asking for help. I know it ***** right now, but just keep powering through, it is so worth it to be free of those soul sucking opiates. You can do this! Stick around here, these people are wonderful human beings, and we will all give you support, however you decide to do it.
Allison
PS. I hope this didn't sound harsh, I just want everyone to have the greatest chance of success, and this is what really seems to stick:)
And yes, I feel normal, in fact I feel better than I did before I started using. I have learned so much in this process, and I look at everything differently now. It's all new again, and I am so grateful for every day I have with my family. I almost lost them, partly because I didn't want anyone to find out how messed up I was by asking for help. I know it ***** right now, but just keep powering through, it is so worth it to be free of those soul sucking opiates. You can do this! Stick around here, these people are wonderful human beings, and we will all give you support, however you decide to do it.
Allison
PS. I hope this didn't sound harsh, I just want everyone to have the greatest chance of success, and this is what really seems to stick:)
Hi and congrats on taking your life back, To answer your question about telling your husband for me it was huge deal and very hard to do, and once I did it likes the flood gates opened up it helped me tremendously with the mental because I was not lying anymore all my secrets were out and the only way to go was Up at that point I was so scarred and down. He helped me and surprised me alot,I had it so worked up in my head that he could possibly leave me but he didn't and it helps with ACCOUNTABILITY and thats huge for an addict no more hiding and lying about money spend.
Try not to think about the past because you cant change it but the future is up for many positive possibilities, Take your life back One step at a time and you will see your life is so much better than any day you used pills. You have been given alot of advice and support on here and I Hope to see more post from you reach out for the help this place is great place for support :)
Try not to think about the past because you cant change it but the future is up for many positive possibilities, Take your life back One step at a time and you will see your life is so much better than any day you used pills. You have been given alot of advice and support on here and I Hope to see more post from you reach out for the help this place is great place for support :)
Another concern I have effect on my 6 yr marriage. Yeah my marriage n my addiction are both well into yr 6 . My husband doesn't know nor to I plan on sharing, granted I beat this that is, and don't turn back. But I am concerned the sudden erratic behavior I bound to exhibit will cause problems. I know the advice ide give to someone is talk with him let him know what I'm going through. But like I said that's just not something in prepared to do nor intend to do. But I really don't want to add a huge burden of worring about why I am acting so strange, through out the mental part of this recovery,. I just don't know? Have any of you been through this and made the decision for whatever reason to not tell ur spouce? I could use some advice I know ice been selfish long enough I just don't wanna make his life harder with my stress .
I hope so! =) I have kids in school so I'm kinda lucky in the way I have to shaky or not get them up n drive them each morning, I have learned thus far that motivation is hard to find so the more things I must do the better. But man I can't wait for the morning I wake up and my heart isn't beating out of my chest! And I can make breakfast without spilling juice fro shaky
Mornings tend to be bad for a lot of people, myself included. My morning routine was always take some pills before doing ANYTHING else...I thought I'd never get clean because it was such a huge morning problem. I can only tell you I did. I focused hard on the mornings. I sought reasons for wanting to get up. I changed the morning routine. I put more focus on coffee lol and took many of my vitamins and supplements first thing in the morning. It helped a lot. What's important is making a routine and sticking to it. It seems impossible right now but, honestly, after a week or so of doing things differently you will effect a change. Take magnesium for the shakiness and drink tea instead of coffee in the morning. The L theanine in tea is very calming.
Ooo one more question witch is in my list of top hardest obstacles to overcome. MORNINGS! Even with the physical part gone or almost so, i wake up nervous and shaky like u wouldn't believe, I've never been a nervous person I've never had much in way of unrealistic fears, i really don't know what to do bout that!!! Some sober mornings are worse than others but that feeling scares the crap out of me!! I'm obvisouly unwilling to go on any anxiety pills, I've got enough problems without adding taking any other pill to just make things go away, but i need advice on why this happens in the morning and ways to combat it! This is a BIGGIE for me. Thanks
It will happen for you and the old you will return. It did for me and I'm a lot older and took a lot of pills for a much longer time so...you can make it to the other side.
Right now it seems impossible but you're a smart girl. You know that it just feels horrible now because you're in it. Once time passes and new memories are made and seasons change you'll feel differently. You have to because life just goes on...and you want this.
Don't over think anything. Just one foot in front of the other, breathe, and try to relax. I know you're having trouble sleeping so I mentioned on your other thread to try Alteril. Also, try the different calming teas along with green tea. Tea contains an important amino acid, L theanine, which reduces anxiety.
Stay on track and keep posting here. Don't get discouraged!
Right now it seems impossible but you're a smart girl. You know that it just feels horrible now because you're in it. Once time passes and new memories are made and seasons change you'll feel differently. You have to because life just goes on...and you want this.
Don't over think anything. Just one foot in front of the other, breathe, and try to relax. I know you're having trouble sleeping so I mentioned on your other thread to try Alteril. Also, try the different calming teas along with green tea. Tea contains an important amino acid, L theanine, which reduces anxiety.
Stay on track and keep posting here. Don't get discouraged!
Have any of u made it to the other side you know passed the wd passed the mental and back to the real you? How is it? I heard you never feel completely normal then I also hear people feel better then before with the exception of the occasional temptation and or craving. I desperately want to be my old self again I was miss social and had such hi self esteem. I can remember it so well BC my 5 yr old is me to a tee. And I see her excitement and remember even as a sober 20 yr old I didn't loose that, though now I obvisouly only get that excited when the call for pills comes in! That's the saddest for me, I even recently deleted my contacts and changed my #! That's when I realized I was living for those calls, cause once they for sure weren't coming anymore I litterly morned it. I just want to be even more excited for the old things again, you know birthdays visits home, good morning kisses from my baby's, those things. All the happy memories I have to be once again be the reason I have a good day, and my happiness not relying on how many pills i have at my side.
For the sake of not completely plagiarizing your entire post, I will just say I agree and relate 100% with everything you said. Good post:)
I am a 13 year addict with 3 kids. The lies I told and the theft and just overall appalling behavior that I am guilty of is sometimes overwhelming. I am so embarrassed by my behavior that I find it hard to speak to certain people to this day. All you can do is make up for your wrongs with rights. Your behavior and actions speak louder than words. You need to be honest with those you have betrayed and let them know you are a different person....or becoming a different, better person. It's really all in your head...when you can forgive yourself... Others can forgive you...
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
