tips for reducing depression after w/d

[innocencelost]

Have finished with w/d from Norco, though still sluggish energy wise ( I think this is depression related as well). Is depression normal after w/d for most folks? Any advice on how to combat/reduce depression is welcomed. Also, just generally speaking, how long before the brain starts functioning normally again; just your own experience? It feels like there is a void in the receptors that was being filled by pills and is now confused; how to ramp up endorphins? Finally, anyone who has dealt with post acute withdrawal syndrome, how long did this last and what helped. Thank you in advance

[littlebit667]

Hope this helps..it helped me understand.  Do not focus on the year info.  I found after a month things got much better.  I received this response after asking much the same thing.

You have to remember how opiates work, and why you feel depressed etc. when you quit taking them and after you are over the withdrawals and often why we keep craving long after the physical withdrawals are over.

Opiates bound to the opioid receptors in your brain and body. They release their artificial endorphins to them, and block the bodies natural endorphins. After a while the neurons that produce the body's natural endorphins disappear. There is no need for them so they just don't rejuvenate like they would normally.

When you stop taking the opiates,  they leave your opioid receptors bare, and they are calling out for your body's natural endorphins, but there isn't any there at first. You body has to repopulate the neurons that make them, and this takes time.

Endorphins like dopamine  control your moods, anxiety, sadness, anger, happiness, pain etc.

You will slowly get your "old self" back as these neurons repopulate and begin increasing their endorphins production. After being off the opiates for a month, they should be about 45-50% of normal, and be back to normal within a year.
So hang in there, you will feel better and better as the months roll by.

Try keep busy and keep your mind focused on positive things instead of dwelling on the depression, anxiety, etc. that are only temporary and will disappear as your endorphins return to normal.

[ricart70]

Hey. Great job on getting off of these pills.How many days has it been since your last one? For me depression and anxiety were a big issue after initial physical withdrawal.It took me about a month to start feeling ok in my mind and a little longer for me to get my energy back.I drank muscle milk protein shakes and still do every night before bed.Exercise also helps alot but start slow and work your way up.That is the most effective way to ramp up the production of endorphins.I would not worry about post acute withdrawal at this point.Just hang in there,eat right and exercise.Let us know how you are.Keep posting.I am sure others will have some more suggestions for you but IMO these will definitely help.