numbness in left arm

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I have numbness in my left arm occasionally when I sleep.  Usually, it will start about an hour or so after I lay down to go to sleep.  Doesn't really happen too much when I'm just lying down, but more whenI am trying to go to sleep.  (I have bad insomnia, also) What could this be?

[Audrey_M]

There is an Addiction forum which may be more helpful for you in finding answers and support.

With opiate addiction, it is my understanding that the brain receptors become susceptible to any kind of opiate, creating a craving for more. That is why treatment includes using drugs which turn off the receptors.

It is very important to let doctors know that you have a history of addiction to painkillers so that they don't prescribe a medication that could trigger a relapse in recovery. There are sad stories of people being clean for years and going to a dentist and getting a mild opiate based pain killer that sends them into relapse.

If you've gone clean without any formal support, you might want to consider joining Narcotics Anonymous. Coming clean is only part of recovery; there's a lot of education involved in terms of how the brain works, the addiction and recovery process as well as stories from others that can help you in what is truly a life long journey.

Good luck to you.

Audrey

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So, I have had this addiction to painkillers since about 2006.  Well, last March 14th I stopped and told on myself to the doc and everything and got the meds to do detox at home.  It worked and at first I was doing really well.  Only F'ing up about once every 6 weeks.  Needless to say, I got a perc Rx on Monday and they are all gone now.  Does anyone know about how long it takes for your BODY (not your mind) to become addicted to painkillers again?  Yeah, I know it was dumb, but I need some help/ support.  Also, I am having a problem with getting motivated to do anything without pills or alcohol.  Even 'fun' stuff.  Like going to the movies, out to dinner, etc.  Any suggestions/ thoughts?  Smoking weed is not an option.  I guess I need another way of looking at things.  I feel like such an A hole.  I just got a job after 4 years about 3 weeks ago and I feel normal THERE, why can't I do that at home?

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Thanks for your reply.  And I HAVE experienced it when laying on my side, so I started sleeping straight on my back, and it still happens.  I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia before.  I dunno if this could be something related to THAT....

[Audrey_M]

You could be putting pressure on a nerve with your sleep position(s), especially if this is occurring only when you lay down to go to sleep.

Try to think about the position that you are lying in when this happens. If you have your arm under the pillow when the numbness starts, this might show that you are putting pressure on a nerve. Likewise, if you tuck your arm under your body when the numbness starts, you are also putting pressure on a nerve.

If this is only happening when you are trying to sleep and does not last long, I would not worry to much about it.

Audrey