Long term withdrawl symptoms?

[wanttobeclean]

I saw a response in another post about how long some of you are going through withdrawls (years!).  I guess I'm trying to sort this out.  I have read about PAWS, so is that what you mean?   The emotional/psychological part?  

I guess I just don't fully understand.  I know I used the drugs for a year...I'm sure they changed a lot in my body.  But once they are out of your system, why do the effects last so long?  Sorry if I'm being thick headed, I'm just trying to understand so I can prepare myself better.

Thanks

[GoingToMakeIt]

The use of drugs alters our body's chemistry. It can take months to years to rebuild it.

[BoboR]

I have to agree with broknbck. The drugs affect our brain much more than we realize. I've learned much here on this site in the last few weeks. I didn't expect it to last so long either, and was tempted to give in more than once to relapse. Once I learned I was having PAWS, it helped me to understand things a bit better.

You can find info on PAWS in the Health Pages link at the top right of this page--- OR look near the bottom right of this page, Most Viewed Health Pages, today PAWS part 1 is there, just click on the link.

[GoingToMakeIt]

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=66 There are actually 3 parts listed. Each has some good info.

[gizzy32]

click on health pages at the top right. once you do it will take you there and i think it's the 4th one down right now called paws research part 1. it really is good to read up on this. i have heard it can take up to a year to heal.

[Dezdon]

HI,
I dont see "paws" under the health or even google relative to recovery, little help please,
-Dez

[broknbck]

Well the long drug use has somewhat damaged our brains and receptors. It needs a little time to heal. Learn to process emotions and how to make endorphins again.
The amino acids are best at helping to speed this up.

We could not see it, but the drugs were affecting our brains more than anything else.

[mimi1313]

Yes, that is PAWS. You can find info on it in the Health pages. I only used for a few months (191 days clean) and I still get cravings and occasionally restless legs. The opiates suppress so much in your body.