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Depression from Opiate Withdrawal

I have tampered completely off opiates and basically got through the physical problems but I feel so depressed and I just need to know how long this will last. Is this from getting off opiates and can someone please give me an idea of how long I have to go through this? It's almost unbearable. I've searched and searched for an answer but people only say to talk to a doctor, and I play on it if I have to but I wish I could just get through this without getting on medication. I have take anti depressants in the past but I don't like them very much but if this isn't going to stop I will talk to my doctor.
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Avatar universal
I'm 68 days off oxycodone and definitely having depression.   My doctor put me on a small dose of Prozac; it hasn't kicked in yet.  I'm going to be going to more NA meetings, and see if that helps.  Mostly I am hoping it gets better after 90 days.   Also, this time of the year always makes me sad.

We have to try everything, I think.  Getting off the drugs is the easy part; staying clean and happy is the tough part and it is a life long process. Good Luck to you...Hugs, -Robin
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Ok. Thanks. :)
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I've really found that working out (running and lifting) nearly eliminates my depression symptoms and the feeling lasts almost up to 24hs before I go back and work out again.I started with baby steps, 45 minutes in the gym, extremely short amount of time doing cardio followed by weight training.  I have slowly turned it into two hours of my day.  There are great people at my gym I've become friends with.  It truly helps us recover quicker and is totally good for our bodies in general.  Stay positive it won't last forever.

Tim
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Avatar universal
Hey Tara, good on you for doing a taper !!!
As far as how long depression lasts...thats a tough one.
Could last a few weeks or months, very hard to say !!!
As Jifmoc said, after removing the opiates, depression usually sets in.
Some people handle it ok, but others need meds.
I didnt get depressed per se, but very confused and sad.
I understand not wanting to use an a/d, i tapered off mine over 3 months ago and no energy and motivation set in again for me.
Just try different things daily to try lift your mood.
Have an open mind to try anything !!!
Take care : )

Krissy, keep commenting, sometimes its hard when typing on a forum, people take what we say the wrong way, or we take what others say the wrong way. Nobody can hear our tone of voice because we are not face to face... : )

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Avatar universal
I never said it wasn't! Not once. You really shouldn't make other ppl feel bad about their selves. Especially when all they are trying to do is help. I offered what's working for me getting through detox. I won't comment again on this forum because this isn't the first time you've left a comment after one of mine and made me feel bad about what I've said. I'll keep reading others stories to help me but I obviously don't know enough to try and help.
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Sorry, but aftercare is vital for addicts to STAY clean.
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Ya well jifmoc "staying busy" and living my life is working for me....maybe before you quote someone you should consider not all ppl are the same! I also told her that. What works for some won't work for all.
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Avatar universal
Hey Tara. The depression from removing the opiates is very normal. And this is when the work comes in. We can't just remove the drugs and go live a normal life. The using is just a symptom for whatever we were covering up. As I'm sure you've figured out just "staying busy" won't cut it. If it did, there would be no more addiction.

So, my friend if you've read on here you've seen that aftercare is the absolute must. It's the difference between those who get clean vs those who STAY clean. AA/NA is the most popular (I do that), there are other things; outpatient, counseling etc. But it has to be a regular thing.

Let us know what you decide:)
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Avatar universal
I'm on day 13 of oxy detox. I've had the severe depression as well. I know the drugs blocked a big part of my brain off. If I had them I wasn't stressing about having to go get more again. I think a big part depends on us. I thought I'd hate being around ppl,but it seems to help because when I'm alone,I think. When I think I get depressed. Maybe just try keeping your mind and body busy. Find some things you really enjoy doing. Mine in the last two weeks has been music. Listening to music constantly has helped. Watching and listening to my kids through clear eyes. I always thought I was fine on my pills. No,omg the stuff I didn't listen when the kids talked to me. The little details of actually listening to my son reading to me at night instead of spacing out. My daily and nightly routine is exact same as before I quit. But I'm so different. Of course I feel guilt and that causes depression. I think of always been a good mum. But I should have a will now be a great mum. The best mum ever!! Goodluck to you!! xox
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