How long after w/d can one think clearly

[HSIBCC]

Hi,
I take Percocet 10/325- 4/day,  Xanax .5 -4/day 15 years, Ritalin 20mg-3/day, Cymbalta 60mg 1/ day. May main concern is the pain meds. I have gone through the withdraws numerous times in an attempt to quit the pain meds. for over five years and I really want off of them badly, I manage the other meds fairly well. The problem is not quitting its staying off. The reason for relapse is I cannot think, even simple task become a major ordeal and the depression, confusion and forgetfulness are relentless. I lasted 65 days and the mental fog never lifted, I could barely function, however as soon as I took a Percocet, the mental clarity returned in about 30 min. I was told this is because my brain nature ability to produce it pain med has stopped and my receptors need to heal as well, I do not know this to be fact, it’s only what I was told. However, does anyone know how long it takes for the brain to heal and begin producing its own (endorphins ?) again so one can think clearly and feel pleasure? Any insight please, tried of the ball and chain.
Thanks,

[vicki595]

Brian--This is not an easy question to answer;we're all different!  I'd say "ballpark" 90 days is pretty fair. It really takes some time for the healing to be noticeable.  We do heal so don't give up!  Personally, I thought I was doing pretty well at 90 days but at 6 months the
shades went up. I felt unbelievably good.  This is a sometimes long and arduous process
but it's so worth it.

Be sure you're eating well and geting all the vitamins and minerals we talk about. Also, exercise is huge!

[HSIBCC]

Thanks for your reply, yes , I am a patient and started the pain meds after being referred to a pain management doctor in 2004, xanax started for (IBS) in 1990 .25 as needed now .5 as needed and Ritilan 2004. I would love to be pill free and that is my ultimate goal. But, I did not seem to have all of the mental and physical illness until I started the opiates, before pain management, if I ran out of meds, no big deal until I made an appt. Thats not the case with pain meds, if I run out I am usless. However, I am open to any suggestions, I have truly tried many  times , and have had success with all excluding the opiates. I even  attended a re-hap , I was not and still do not have much faith in the 12-step , maybe its me , but  it made matter worste when a some what statistician hears their ( 12-step rehap) only has a 3% success rate,  (even  taking in the human element of choice ) , I do not know anymore, but I will not give up, its got to come from within. I do faily wel managing meds , taking  as prescribed at least  90% ofr the time , I am just tired of being dependent on pills and my thinking does not seem to be  as quick and sharp as it once was, i.e.,  its getting harder to  conenct the dots. Thanks again and I will read PAWS,
God Bless
Brian

[atthebeach]

hi and welcome. you have to be patient you used for many years. 65 days might seem like alot but it wasnt enough to complete the healing. yes your mind,body,soul and spirit need to heal. this can take many, many months.go to the bottom of this page on the right side there are health pages, click on those read the article entitled PAWS that will have alot of the information and explanations to the question you are asking.
do you only plan on stopping the perocets? i am not sure the healing with take place if you continue to use all the other meds.
i think you should also speak with your doctor.
GOD bless you
debbie