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I got through the withdrawal but now I have terrible cravings

I used Hydrocodone for years, due to an accident and resulting nerve pain.  I also take Gabapetin and Lyrica, which are non opiate nerve pain blockers.  My quality of life really diminished on the pain meds. I gained weight and didn't want to do anything, everything revolved around coming home and taking Hydrocodone.  I saw my friends out living vibrant lives and I realized that I was just existing.  I also witnessed how difficult it has become to get the meds and fill the scripts when needed and I really felt bad trying to push these scripts through to get my meds.  The final straw, I developed a rash and one cause is too much ibuprofen.  My body was telling me that it was time.  
I did a sort of taper over months, going from 150 per month to last script for 60, however the 60 did not last a month.  Even so, I cut my usage in half.  Then my doctor, who is elderly, got sick and may not return.  I don't want this anymore, I keep telling myself.  My withdrawal was physically not too bad.  I am over 2 weeks out now.  My problem is mental, I crave that "good feeling" the pills gave me.  I don't know what to do with myself, I don't feel like myself and sometimes my brain can't fathom that I will not have pills again.  I am just trying to get through day by day, sometimes minute by minute.  I now see that for me, this is not as simple as physically giving up the pills.  My question is how long does this last?  Does it go away eventually?  I am really struggling but I am not going back, ever.  I have read posts and this site has helped me immensely.  
6 Responses
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7689249 tn?1408018598
i stopped using opiates august 25 2014 and since then i have had a few slips but my  energy is STILL in the toilet and my motivation well at times i have none i am going to na meetings have a sponsor and working the steps all the right things my cravings come and go and i have acted on them but its getting way less but the energy man is definitely the last to come back i wish you the best and you will not be successful without aftercare all the people on here drilled that into my head i finally listened they know whats up!!!
Helpful - 0
4522800 tn?1470325834
The physical part will be done soon. It takes time for the BRAIN chems  to balance back.
If someone used everything and anything for yrs & yrs, they have a harder time Mentally balancing out because of whacking out the Nero-Chems.
If someone is young and only used a short time, then they will balance back sooner.
Just be glad you caught it sooner then later. It does take time, and I mean some time, for your Mental to come around.
Meanwhile, just take it day by day. We do have a Mid-Brain called the survival part of the brain that will always remember the pleasure we got. IF you do NOT feed it, then in time it will ease up.
Make sure you get ALL the Support you can get. No more going around your old stomping grounds and playing around with those old friends who still use. It does take MANY new LIFE STYLE CHANGES and one BIG thing is changing some OLD BEHAVIORS. Work, Work and more Work. It does become a "WE" thing not a "ME" thing to work on sobriety.
Hang in you will level out soon.
Bless
Helpful - 0
13354001 tn?1432155513
Guys I promise the energy is the last thing to come back.  Trust me.  Right at 35 days I am little by little getting git back.  This is not an overnight process.  Be patient and let your body and mind RECONNECT! Peace to you all!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Btw. I recently started going to accupuncture to help w the cravings and so far it's helped. At this point I will do anything to try and be "normal" again.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Iam in your same boat w a different drug. Iam struggling w the pick me up I always got. It is about changing the way we think, your not alone that's for sure. Iam looking into different aftercare programs myself.  Hang on!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Your question is perfect as to why we all need aftercare. That is exactly what everyone feels post opiates. You said it perfectly by stating it isn't just giving up the pills. If it was, there would be no addicts.

I fought for so so long going to aftercare. I kept detoxing then thought "ya NOW I'll change my life!" Ha ha, my brain always took me back to using. I did a 180 when I went to meetings and got seriously involved in the program.

There's that silly but true saying: an addict needs to change one thing when they get clean...everything. Get into aftercare, face to face w/ addicts on a daily basis. N/A or AA. There are other programs, but I am unfamiliar w/ them. Gotta get outta your head and be with others who understand and can help.

Good luck, keep posting w/ questions etc:)
Helpful - 0
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