Aa
Positive thinking for detox
I am in the weening process from ultram. I have a doctor and family helping me. I wanted to ask the people who are experiencing sobriety to please tell me, do you really feel better? I am getting in the depressed part of this but when I start to feel like I will never be happy or feel good again, I'll feel like @%$# forever, I then see someone post how good they feel being sober. Is it really good? I mean, if you post the horrible parts of being a drug addict, and the now good parts of being sober, it gives me and I'm sure many other people who are detoxing hope to go on knowing it gets better. Something to strive for. I guess only sober people can answer this, but the more replies the better, and people like me can read this when we're down and hold on to the hope we can have. The encouraging sobriety stories (like expillman talking about being free) have kept me from using 3x. Please post more encouragement for us with "withdrawel blues". thanks KIMH
Hello, Kim. Let me address several aspects of your message. First, not everyone who is dependent on a drug is an addict. In another message I defined the difference between physical dependence and addiction. If you are taking legally prescribed medication for legitimate pain and are not seeking opioids for psychologically driven reasons to get high, chances are that you are not an addict.
Having said that, I will also state uniquivocally that you can and do become physically dependent on opiods whether or not you are using them legitimately or not. When you go off of the drugs, you will suffer drug withdrawl and it is not pleasant at all.
Now, on to positive thinking. I know that it has helped me a lot. I live alone and have no one but myself for support regarding my issue of drug dependence. I simply made up my mind that this was a battle for survival and I was determined not to be defeated. It helps to make incremental, OBTAINABLE goals and monitor your own progress. While in withdrawal, it is not helpful to make the goal of I WILL NEVER USE OXYCONTIN AGAIN, but instead make the goal of making it to hour 72, or whatever.
Refuse to be depressed! Refuse to be defeated! Think of the power that you will wield when you regain control of your life!
You will not feel badly forever, TIME is a powerful healer, for grief and for drug withdrawal. Think of time as your ally instead of your enemy. IT IS ON YOUR SIDE! The time will pass!
Think of the power of this concept! There is no way that the PRESENT STATE will remain as time always marches forward. Unless you have a very rare and devastating condition known as anterograde amnesia you will always be pointed towards the future and the future will be bright if you are strong.
EXPillman
Having said that, I will also state uniquivocally that you can and do become physically dependent on opiods whether or not you are using them legitimately or not. When you go off of the drugs, you will suffer drug withdrawl and it is not pleasant at all.
Now, on to positive thinking. I know that it has helped me a lot. I live alone and have no one but myself for support regarding my issue of drug dependence. I simply made up my mind that this was a battle for survival and I was determined not to be defeated. It helps to make incremental, OBTAINABLE goals and monitor your own progress. While in withdrawal, it is not helpful to make the goal of I WILL NEVER USE OXYCONTIN AGAIN, but instead make the goal of making it to hour 72, or whatever.
Refuse to be depressed! Refuse to be defeated! Think of the power that you will wield when you regain control of your life!
You will not feel badly forever, TIME is a powerful healer, for grief and for drug withdrawal. Think of time as your ally instead of your enemy. IT IS ON YOUR SIDE! The time will pass!
Think of the power of this concept! There is no way that the PRESENT STATE will remain as time always marches forward. Unless you have a very rare and devastating condition known as anterograde amnesia you will always be pointed towards the future and the future will be bright if you are strong.
EXPillman
I too have had w/d from Ultram before and now Hydro. I have the same feelings "when will this end". The depression isn't as bad this time meaning I don't have that feeling of doom this time I think it's because of the anti depressant I'm taking but I still have the blahs and the feeling that alls I have to do is take a pill to feel better but I know if I do that then comes I'll just take another and another. It feels never ending. One thing I have heard over and over that keeps me going is that it gets better over time and look back at last week instead of yesterday because it is a slow process. I am waiting to see a phyciatrist (sp/) but work comp insurance is taking it's sweet time on approving it. This forum says keep busy and exercise but I have a hard time doing that, My daughter says she'll go for a walk with me today, I'm going to give it a try. I know with time the blahs will be lesser and lesser and we need to keep in mind it will go away. My depression was worse with the Ultram but again I'm taking an anti depressant this time. Let patience be with us both. TER
Physical Dependence and Withdrawal can and will occur and is revealed in patients when the opioid is abruptly halted. If you have been through withdrawal, you know what I am talking about, anxiety, irritability, chills, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, ugly stuff. The duration and severity of the withdrawal will depend on what opiod has been taken, at what dose and for what period of time.
In Opioids with short half-lifes, such as hydrocodone (Vicodin/Lorotab) hydromorphone (Dilaudid) or immediate release morphine (MSIR) or immediate relase oxycodone (OXIR) the symptoms may appear in 6-12 hours and peak at 24-72 hours. With the longer half life drugs such as Methadone (Dolophine) M.S. Contin or Oxycontin, the withdrawal symptoms may be delayed and last longer.
Tapering can be done by reducing the dosage 25% every 2 days until a daily dose equivalent to 30 mg of oral morphine is reached. This level is also equivalent to approximately 3 Percocet or Vicodin 5 mg. per day, a pretty low dose. After this level is reached, the drug can be discontinued.
*This is from my notes from The American Pain Society-Principles of Analgesic use in the treatment of acute pain and cancer pain.
In Opioids with short half-lifes, such as hydrocodone (Vicodin/Lorotab) hydromorphone (Dilaudid) or immediate release morphine (MSIR) or immediate relase oxycodone (OXIR) the symptoms may appear in 6-12 hours and peak at 24-72 hours. With the longer half life drugs such as Methadone (Dolophine) M.S. Contin or Oxycontin, the withdrawal symptoms may be delayed and last longer.
Tapering can be done by reducing the dosage 25% every 2 days until a daily dose equivalent to 30 mg of oral morphine is reached. This level is also equivalent to approximately 3 Percocet or Vicodin 5 mg. per day, a pretty low dose. After this level is reached, the drug can be discontinued.
*This is from my notes from The American Pain Society-Principles of Analgesic use in the treatment of acute pain and cancer pain.
expillman:
alow me to welcome you to the forum. i have been posting here since
july 0f 2001. i have been ghosting for awhile and thought it was time for my 2 cents worth....
i am a *drug addict*! specifically a junky. you talk this a bad thing. you have the right to call your self and how ever you choose to lead your life whatever you wish...so why judge someone else?
i went for the beter part of 20 years breaking into drug stores to support my addiction....it was a good life until i got caught. i then "cleaned up my hand" for 17 years. then n old injury came back to haunt me....2 surgerys latter the only way i can funcion most days is with oxycontin. i go to see a very kind doctor at a pain clinic. i have been able to put my life back togather somewahat. but i am still an addict...why? because it is what i choose to call myself.
for what it's worth, a little tollerence of others will have a huge pay off for you. when you get to 300 hours clean you may need it. also i've found that being judgmental of others is really only me judging myself.
you can have your word games about dependence and addiction if they really make you feel beter...i'm not sure that is what this
board is about...i would rather try to be supportive of members new and old and when i tired of this, then i would start to clean
up the mess in my own head (and believe me there is one)
keep posting and keep an angel on your shoulder
kip
alow me to welcome you to the forum. i have been posting here since
july 0f 2001. i have been ghosting for awhile and thought it was time for my 2 cents worth....
i am a *drug addict*! specifically a junky. you talk this a bad thing. you have the right to call your self and how ever you choose to lead your life whatever you wish...so why judge someone else?
i went for the beter part of 20 years breaking into drug stores to support my addiction....it was a good life until i got caught. i then "cleaned up my hand" for 17 years. then n old injury came back to haunt me....2 surgerys latter the only way i can funcion most days is with oxycontin. i go to see a very kind doctor at a pain clinic. i have been able to put my life back togather somewahat. but i am still an addict...why? because it is what i choose to call myself.
for what it's worth, a little tollerence of others will have a huge pay off for you. when you get to 300 hours clean you may need it. also i've found that being judgmental of others is really only me judging myself.
you can have your word games about dependence and addiction if they really make you feel beter...i'm not sure that is what this
board is about...i would rather try to be supportive of members new and old and when i tired of this, then i would start to clean
up the mess in my own head (and believe me there is one)
keep posting and keep an angel on your shoulder
kip
O.K. let's say that you are an addict OR an individual who has legitimate pain OR both, what can I do?
Let's approach this intelligently and logically. First and foremost, if you have a medical condition that causes you pain, find a good physican and discuss it with him. Be completely honest about everything, especially if you have had substance abuse problems. Work with your doctor and get yourself AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE. If you are too fat, lose weight. If you are not eating right, start eating right. If you don't exercise, start walking if you can. Think of your body as a machine, how can you expect it to take care of you if you don't take care of it?
There are medications that are not addictive, do not build up tolerance and will not put you into withdrawl if you stop. They have side effects, but they can be managed. Many of these preparation are available OTC, and very cheap. What am I talking about?
NSAIDs. Non steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs. This drug class includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and a host of others and have analgesic, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Acetaminiphen (Tylenol) has analgesic properties and will reduce fever, but has no anti-inflammatory properties. I would avoid it like the plauge becuase it has a ceiling dose of about 3000 mg. per day before it destroys your liver.
If you have chronic pain, a good course of therapy on these drugs must be exhausted before considering other drugs. I cannot stress enough that even though this group of drugs is HUGE, they remain underutilized to treat chronic pain.
How can you do this? You must find the right drug at the right dose. These must be taken at high enough dose and AROUND THE CLOCK as opposed to PRN to be effective to the maximum. It is my opinion that IBUPROFEN is one of the most powerful analgesics we have available today. There is no tolerance built up and no physical dependence that results in withdrawal. Now, I'm not talking about a dose of 400 mg. per day of Advil. I'm talking about pushing the dose UP, DOSE TO EFFECT UNTIL SIDE EFFECTS BECOME INTOLERABLE should be the principle. The main side effects are usually gastroentestinal and can usually be managed unless you have problems with G.I. bleeding and/or peptic ulcer disease. This is why you must consult with your doctor.
There are alternatives if you have G.I. problems! There is a wonderful drug called Trilisate (Choline Magnesium Trisalycilate) that does not cause the erosion of the gastric mucosa like most NSAIDS. It is a salicylate like aspirin so it can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) at higher doses, but it is worth a shot if you have GI problems.
This is a lot to digest, and I will type more later. If you have questions, please ask them.
Disclaimer: ALWAYS consult your physican. I am not a M.D. and am not giving medical advice, only information.
Let's approach this intelligently and logically. First and foremost, if you have a medical condition that causes you pain, find a good physican and discuss it with him. Be completely honest about everything, especially if you have had substance abuse problems. Work with your doctor and get yourself AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE. If you are too fat, lose weight. If you are not eating right, start eating right. If you don't exercise, start walking if you can. Think of your body as a machine, how can you expect it to take care of you if you don't take care of it?
There are medications that are not addictive, do not build up tolerance and will not put you into withdrawl if you stop. They have side effects, but they can be managed. Many of these preparation are available OTC, and very cheap. What am I talking about?
NSAIDs. Non steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs. This drug class includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and a host of others and have analgesic, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Acetaminiphen (Tylenol) has analgesic properties and will reduce fever, but has no anti-inflammatory properties. I would avoid it like the plauge becuase it has a ceiling dose of about 3000 mg. per day before it destroys your liver.
If you have chronic pain, a good course of therapy on these drugs must be exhausted before considering other drugs. I cannot stress enough that even though this group of drugs is HUGE, they remain underutilized to treat chronic pain.
How can you do this? You must find the right drug at the right dose. These must be taken at high enough dose and AROUND THE CLOCK as opposed to PRN to be effective to the maximum. It is my opinion that IBUPROFEN is one of the most powerful analgesics we have available today. There is no tolerance built up and no physical dependence that results in withdrawal. Now, I'm not talking about a dose of 400 mg. per day of Advil. I'm talking about pushing the dose UP, DOSE TO EFFECT UNTIL SIDE EFFECTS BECOME INTOLERABLE should be the principle. The main side effects are usually gastroentestinal and can usually be managed unless you have problems with G.I. bleeding and/or peptic ulcer disease. This is why you must consult with your doctor.
There are alternatives if you have G.I. problems! There is a wonderful drug called Trilisate (Choline Magnesium Trisalycilate) that does not cause the erosion of the gastric mucosa like most NSAIDS. It is a salicylate like aspirin so it can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) at higher doses, but it is worth a shot if you have GI problems.
This is a lot to digest, and I will type more later. If you have questions, please ask them.
Disclaimer: ALWAYS consult your physican. I am not a M.D. and am not giving medical advice, only information.
Skipper, I'm sorry if I offended you in this forum. I think that you have misjudged me as I am probably one of the least judgmental people on earth.
I am not trying to play word games at all, these are just the medical facts as I understand them and I understand them pretty well as I spent 20 years in the field of pain management.
If you or anyone else [including myself] has a psychological dependence of compulsive drug use characterized by a continued craving for an opioid for effects other than pain relief, then they are an addict. That is not my judgment, just the medical definition.
Be well
EXPillman
I am not trying to play word games at all, these are just the medical facts as I understand them and I understand them pretty well as I spent 20 years in the field of pain management.
If you or anyone else [including myself] has a psychological dependence of compulsive drug use characterized by a continued craving for an opioid for effects other than pain relief, then they are an addict. That is not my judgment, just the medical definition.
Be well
EXPillman
i read the post by skipper to you, and i notices
he was not asking you what he should do.
but you posted your advice to him.
reading your posts it seem you underestamate
the people here at this fourm.
you write as if you are the doctor and evryone here
is in need of your help.
there is no doubt that you have a lot of experence and information. but your approch leaves one with a bitter taste.
we all come here to support each other ,with all your experence
you would be an asset to this fourm, but it would be
nice to see you get off your high horse,
and share you experene of how each day has been for you and
how you are getting through it.
how you are dealing with depression and lack of energy
that comes after week one.
i don't know if you realize how you sound in your post,
but, know it all, would suffice,
and no one likes a know it all,
and underestamating everyone here is foolish.
it would be nice to get to know the real you
and not the arrogant egomaniac you hide behind.
peace!!!!!!!!!!!hippy
he was not asking you what he should do.
but you posted your advice to him.
reading your posts it seem you underestamate
the people here at this fourm.
you write as if you are the doctor and evryone here
is in need of your help.
there is no doubt that you have a lot of experence and information. but your approch leaves one with a bitter taste.
we all come here to support each other ,with all your experence
you would be an asset to this fourm, but it would be
nice to see you get off your high horse,
and share you experene of how each day has been for you and
how you are getting through it.
how you are dealing with depression and lack of energy
that comes after week one.
i don't know if you realize how you sound in your post,
but, know it all, would suffice,
and no one likes a know it all,
and underestamating everyone here is foolish.
it would be nice to get to know the real you
and not the arrogant egomaniac you hide behind.
peace!!!!!!!!!!!hippy
hippee:
as irish rose just said...."wow!"
i can't recall a more to the point post from you or anyone in some- time!
keep an angel on your shoulder
kip
as irish rose just said...."wow!"
i can't recall a more to the point post from you or anyone in some- time!
keep an angel on your shoulder
kip
A few posts ago we were posting about methadone and I mentioned my mom not being able to sleep well for 4 months, well I finally talked to her she has had mouth surgery so we didn't talk long. Her answer floored me but it was about 15 to 20 years ago but after being on heroine and morphine she went on a methadone program and was on it for 5 years! She started drinking after that until the doc said her liver was bad and now she smokes pot. Shes in her late 60's and has been fighting addiction for around 50 years I need to be more open with her as I'm sure she knows so much and has lived it. TER
Thanks for putting it so well(once again) Michael. I started a post several times, but i found it full of anger each time (not objective), so i stopped.
percs
percs
Sorry to hear your Mom has fought these demons for most of her life. You are right, you should use conversations with her to better understand what you are experiencing and going through.
As to your questions regarding amitryptaline(elavil) you should not have any withdrawals when stopping it. I have been taking it for years and haven't had trouble stopping it at will. Although since I take it at bedtime I did notice sometimes it was harder to fall asleep, so I took benadryl or sominex instead and had no problemss.
Hope this helps, and good luck on your journey,
Chezz
As to your questions regarding amitryptaline(elavil) you should not have any withdrawals when stopping it. I have been taking it for years and haven't had trouble stopping it at will. Although since I take it at bedtime I did notice sometimes it was harder to fall asleep, so I took benadryl or sominex instead and had no problemss.
Hope this helps, and good luck on your journey,
Chezz
Else who I may have offended in this forum. It was not my intent to offend anyone's sensibilities, degrade anyone's comfort level or invade anyone's space.
I have been personally attacked and characterized as having low self esteem, being a know-it-all and an egomaniac, among other things. So be it, I cannot attempt to change anyone's perception of me, I only know in my own mind my intent and do not apologize for my enthusiasm, it is just part of my nature. I was so happy to be through the physical withdrawal, I just wanted to use my knowledge to help someone and obviously it came out the wrong way.
I would like to thank everyone for this forum, it helped me a lot.
Not wanted to cause dissention or disruption, I will regretfully withdraw my thoughts, ideas and experience.
One word on Methadone, I do stand by my statement. I think that it is a lousy and dangerous drug, BUT I will qualify that with my perspective from treatment of mainly cancer pain and not from the standpoint of Methadone maintenance for treating addiction. Addiction treatment was not my bailiwick, managing cancer pain was. Of course Methadone is vital to the lives of many who depend on it to control their addiction. I should have qualified my answer, but I am not 100%, I am still going through withdrawal and am human, remember?
I wish you all peace, happiness and success.
Expillman
I have been personally attacked and characterized as having low self esteem, being a know-it-all and an egomaniac, among other things. So be it, I cannot attempt to change anyone's perception of me, I only know in my own mind my intent and do not apologize for my enthusiasm, it is just part of my nature. I was so happy to be through the physical withdrawal, I just wanted to use my knowledge to help someone and obviously it came out the wrong way.
I would like to thank everyone for this forum, it helped me a lot.
Not wanted to cause dissention or disruption, I will regretfully withdraw my thoughts, ideas and experience.
One word on Methadone, I do stand by my statement. I think that it is a lousy and dangerous drug, BUT I will qualify that with my perspective from treatment of mainly cancer pain and not from the standpoint of Methadone maintenance for treating addiction. Addiction treatment was not my bailiwick, managing cancer pain was. Of course Methadone is vital to the lives of many who depend on it to control their addiction. I should have qualified my answer, but I am not 100%, I am still going through withdrawal and am human, remember?
I wish you all peace, happiness and success.
Expillman
I have been educated through this forum from the plethora of knowledge of its participants.
One thing I have learned is that MMT is VITAL to chronic pain patients with no other means or places to turn.
Your opinion that it is not, is respected as well. Although I know of a few people here that would not be here if it weren't for MMT for chronic pain. I stand behind them 100% for the decision and route they have had to take to get their pain under control.
Regards,
Chezz
One thing I have learned is that MMT is VITAL to chronic pain patients with no other means or places to turn.
Your opinion that it is not, is respected as well. Although I know of a few people here that would not be here if it weren't for MMT for chronic pain. I stand behind them 100% for the decision and route they have had to take to get their pain under control.
Regards,
Chezz
Ms contin and Oxycontin have a long action, but the half life of oxycodone and morphine is not different as compared to percocet or msir. What is different is how the drug is released into the body. Oxycodone has the same half life whether it is percocet or oxycontin. With oxycontin, it is dissolved and released into the system at a very slow rate. Once it is in the body's circulation, the half life is exactly the same. You could do the same comparison with ms contin and msir. As far as the pure opioid agonists go, methadone is in a class by itself in terms of half life. Someone in your position should know that. I refer to, of course, the organization you have connected yourself to.
I wish your mom all the best. Be close to her. She is the voice of experience. And, she's your mom. My mom and I are very close. We help each other out quite a bit. We are both chronic pain patients. She has a back issue as I do, but she won't go under the knife after what I went through. She gets by on darvocet and at the absolute minimum. I envy her. I really do. She has never over done it and has been taking them for a few years now.
ExPillman--
Please contact me (E-mail) at this address:
***@****
I have some information that you may find interesting.....
Jess
Please contact me (E-mail) at this address:
***@****
I have some information that you may find interesting.....
Jess
There are two half lives, half lives of absorption and half life of elimination. The aborption, once released, is of course the same for oxycodone or morphine respectively, morphine is morphine. The differing metabolites of morphine can account for differing rates of elimination. These are also thought to be responsible for the nausea associated by morphine, i.e. more slowly eliminate metabolites that may accumulate and cause nausea.
The Contin pills are different in that they are controlled release as opposed to sustained release. The MS Contin is a wax matrix and the Oxycontin is a acrylic polymer if I remember correctly.
You must remember that I worked this field 10 years ago and I am relying on memory for much of this material.
Now, THIS is my last message here at the Methadone Anti-Defamation Forum.
The Contin pills are different in that they are controlled release as opposed to sustained release. The MS Contin is a wax matrix and the Oxycontin is a acrylic polymer if I remember correctly.
You must remember that I worked this field 10 years ago and I am relying on memory for much of this material.
Now, THIS is my last message here at the Methadone Anti-Defamation Forum.
RELAX,
All that is being conveyed is that you can not come into a forum like this, after 100 hours after a rather large consumption of opiates. Stating you have spent the last 20 years in the pain management field and EXPECT respect regarding your views or what you have been taught.
EVERYONE has something to contribute, including yourself.
How you convey that information is the key...
Chezz
No harm, no foul...
All that is being conveyed is that you can not come into a forum like this, after 100 hours after a rather large consumption of opiates. Stating you have spent the last 20 years in the pain management field and EXPECT respect regarding your views or what you have been taught.
EVERYONE has something to contribute, including yourself.
How you convey that information is the key...
Chezz
No harm, no foul...
Actually, the half life you were referring to had nothing to do with absorption seeing as methadone is absorbed rather quickly compared to ms contin or oxycontin (whatever makes them dissolve slowly matrix wise or whatever) and you did lump them all into the same half life group. So sorry, but I knew exactly what you were talking about and it was information that was not accurate.
expillman:
perhaps everyone needs to sit back, take a nice long deep breath, and try to look at all of this tu each others eyes, while standing in each others shoes...
i really don't believe anyone on this forum resents your knowledge. nor do i believe that your intentions were purposefully ego-centric. it's just that is what at least i belive has happened. addiction (or in your case chemical dependence is the "I" infection disease. chemical dependents and/or drug addicts tend to see the world as revoloving around them specifically.
the fist time i cleaned up, i discovered i enjoyed working on everyone elses program of recovery. working my own personal recovery was basicly not too much fun...to say the least!
can i be honest? the most difficult part of recovery from addiction and/or cemical dependency (for me) was learning how to listen...or more to the point, picking the wax out of my ears and holding it under my tounge. it's not that what you have to say isn't important...it's just my oppinion that what others (in recovery) have to say to you at this point is probably far more important. if my oppinions or remarks have offended you that's great! see all that means is you listenend just enough to "open up your head enough to be offended. so you did listen up a little bit, didn't you?
i believe Thomas pointed out to you that a sense of humor will be a life saver for you in the near (and far) future. no truer words have been spoken! see laughing at youself is the first step to loving yourself!
at any rate....i've gone on for far too long!
keep an angel on your shoulder...and keep posting
kip
perhaps everyone needs to sit back, take a nice long deep breath, and try to look at all of this tu each others eyes, while standing in each others shoes...
i really don't believe anyone on this forum resents your knowledge. nor do i believe that your intentions were purposefully ego-centric. it's just that is what at least i belive has happened. addiction (or in your case chemical dependence is the "I" infection disease. chemical dependents and/or drug addicts tend to see the world as revoloving around them specifically.
the fist time i cleaned up, i discovered i enjoyed working on everyone elses program of recovery. working my own personal recovery was basicly not too much fun...to say the least!
can i be honest? the most difficult part of recovery from addiction and/or cemical dependency (for me) was learning how to listen...or more to the point, picking the wax out of my ears and holding it under my tounge. it's not that what you have to say isn't important...it's just my oppinion that what others (in recovery) have to say to you at this point is probably far more important. if my oppinions or remarks have offended you that's great! see all that means is you listenend just enough to "open up your head enough to be offended. so you did listen up a little bit, didn't you?
i believe Thomas pointed out to you that a sense of humor will be a life saver for you in the near (and far) future. no truer words have been spoken! see laughing at youself is the first step to loving yourself!
at any rate....i've gone on for far too long!
keep an angel on your shoulder...and keep posting
kip
Kim,
I can tell you that once you get your first day clean, it gets better from there. Depending upon how much you took and for how long, it may take weeks if not months to feel "normal" (whatever that means).
I was on methadone for over 16 years. Currently, I've somehow massed 7 months without anything. It has been my experience that the first 2 months were pretty miserable. I knew to expect that, afterall, there's no free ride when dealing with opiates.
What I have underestimated is the length of time it took to feel "good" again. After about 4 months, I began to wonder why the hell was I still feeling run down. It was kind of a downer at that point, really. But, I kept to the plan. Not because I am some strong willed guy, but because I damn sure didn't wanna go back and do the first week of withdrawals again. :) Man... it doesn't take many of those to teach me something.
The good part is that I am feeling pretty damn good now. I've reclaimed the life I lost and for the first time in over two decades, I'm looking forward to all the tomorrows I can get.
The main thing I can tell you, is that you need to be focused on "YOU". Not the problems around you, nor the people that may **** and moan because you're not performing to their specifications. Another thing: Try to "rethink your thinking process". This may not mean much to you right now, but sometimes it's aweful easy to just say "Why Not" and give in rather than trying to understand why you're thinking that way in the first place. Like I said, the above may not mean much now but try to remember to at least look at the thought process along the way.
I wish you the best. Luck hasn't a damn thing to do with it.
Peace,
Methman
I can tell you that once you get your first day clean, it gets better from there. Depending upon how much you took and for how long, it may take weeks if not months to feel "normal" (whatever that means).
I was on methadone for over 16 years. Currently, I've somehow massed 7 months without anything. It has been my experience that the first 2 months were pretty miserable. I knew to expect that, afterall, there's no free ride when dealing with opiates.
What I have underestimated is the length of time it took to feel "good" again. After about 4 months, I began to wonder why the hell was I still feeling run down. It was kind of a downer at that point, really. But, I kept to the plan. Not because I am some strong willed guy, but because I damn sure didn't wanna go back and do the first week of withdrawals again. :) Man... it doesn't take many of those to teach me something.
The good part is that I am feeling pretty damn good now. I've reclaimed the life I lost and for the first time in over two decades, I'm looking forward to all the tomorrows I can get.
The main thing I can tell you, is that you need to be focused on "YOU". Not the problems around you, nor the people that may **** and moan because you're not performing to their specifications. Another thing: Try to "rethink your thinking process". This may not mean much to you right now, but sometimes it's aweful easy to just say "Why Not" and give in rather than trying to understand why you're thinking that way in the first place. Like I said, the above may not mean much now but try to remember to at least look at the thought process along the way.
I wish you the best. Luck hasn't a damn thing to do with it.
Peace,
Methman
I'm reposting this from a closed thread because I want you to see it ...
Hey, Ex, relax. They're just testing you. And you know you're really making an impact when you **** someone off -- always my words to live by ...
Kip and Hippee are both my good friends. They care passionately for the addict who still suffers. You couldn't find two finer gentlemen. If they stick you, stick em back. Hey, I'm Irish/German so you know I'm always game for a good dustup!
Stick with us. You have a lot to offer. You
Hey, Ex, relax. They're just testing you. And you know you're really making an impact when you **** someone off -- always my words to live by ...
Kip and Hippee are both my good friends. They care passionately for the addict who still suffers. You couldn't find two finer gentlemen. If they stick you, stick em back. Hey, I'm Irish/German so you know I'm always game for a good dustup!
Stick with us. You have a lot to offer. You
Hey, Kip, your post made me think ... there is "The World" and there is "my world." Of those worlds, the "my worlds" absolutely revolve around us. And that which we incorporate into our worlds appears from our individual perspectives to do the same.
That probably means ****-all, but I hope this post finds you doing well. I'm going to pop in a tape of Red Dragon and sink to my natural level. Hope it's good. I'm a Michael Mann fan and loved Man Hunter, so it better be!
Thomas
That probably means ****-all, but I hope this post finds you doing well. I'm going to pop in a tape of Red Dragon and sink to my natural level. Hope it's good. I'm a Michael Mann fan and loved Man Hunter, so it better be!
Thomas
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