Help

[BlondeChick10]

This is devastating- had anyone experienced severe hair shedding after the discontinuing use of opiates?? My super thick hair is slowly becoming thinner and shedding everywhere.  I don't know what would cause this and if I can stop it .  I take multi vitamins plus a hair vitamin and it won't stop. This is becoming stressful the one thing I never worried about was my hair and now I cry every time I brush comb or shower .. It started before I stopped the meds but it has magnified .  I  feel hopeless '

[BlondeChick10]

Thank you for your support and encouragement I went to my hair dresser today and she thinks I am over reacting.. She also does not know that I just detoxed from an affair with opiates and have more emotions going on from that then i would ever imagine her response was welcome to being 40!  The opiate affair really is a challenge mentally every day and I am happy that I was able to break away from it and use the  serenity prayer silently every day .I also called  my MD and he does not know I even had an affair with opiates and agreed to check my hormones.  I know this is probably insignificant when our peers are struggling with addictions etc.. So thank you again for supporting me because I was near calling a friend and saying my back hurts and I am glad I did not go down that road .

[Teresa1717]

Yes, it does happen! Mine felt dry and did shed alot more, but only for a few weeks and then like DS it grew back and was ALOT healthier!! Same with my nails!! I know as women, our hair can be very important, but the opiates actually destroyed the nutrients in your body and after we stop taking them we have to regenerate so many things.

Dont worry though, it will come back and you might like your hair better!!

[clean_in_ks]

I had a bit of a "freak out" stage w/hair coming out there for awhile, too.
In the shower, when I combed it out, etc.  I know my scalp and hair follicles were affected......just a healing process.....(after all, they do use hair follicle tests to check for drug use these days, huh? LOL)
Just to make you feel better, it does stop.  Healing is a HUGE deal and I don't think while using I admitted OR realized (lack of education) just how many, many bodily functions are affected.
It grows back.......out with the old......in with the new!!  

[Jenelle2020]

Hi there, I have read many times that this is normal,and your hair will grow back once things have healed up. Try not to worry, I lost a ton of hair about 1 1/2 years ago and it's so thin now but since I have been tapering my methadone it is starting to grow back, but I can totally relate to what you are feeling , it is a horrible and scary feeling. Things just need to get back to normal and your hair will grow back, I am sure of it.

[ricart70]

lol sarah!  

[dominosarah]

I shed a ton of hair during the early months also.  Now it is all back and thicker than before.  I just figured it was all the bad hair follicles that were loaded with drugs and they had to go!

[Fireby29]

I am wagering that the mental battle to stay clean and fight cravings is what is doing it.  Weaver is right about our brains trying to heal themselves, and it takes about a year.  Your stress should go down each clean day that clicks by, I am betting your hair will be thick and great again in a month or two.  Hang in there.

If in doubt, could always go check in with your doctor.

Bryan

[OpenMind24hours]

Google "Telogen Effluvium". My wife had that problem more than once, but not from WDs. Major stress causes it, which she has with her job. Having just gone through the WDs myself, I can attest THAT'S major stress in our situations BlondeChick. It grows back.

[weaver71]

Hair and nails where weak for a long time. My kids noticed my hair is growing back in. The meds really tax our bodies and most of us are malnourished from years of abuse. My theory is, that our bodies need a lot of nutrition to heal itself. Hair is not as important as brain chemistry, so our efficient bodies use what it needs to heal the vitals first. I took hand fulls of vitamins, minerals, and aminos and was still malnourished. Give it some time, keep eating good, and take those vitamins. I think you'll still be the BlondeChick when it's all over.