In and out... in and out...

[Kfred]

I've used vicodin (only) since my dad died 2.5 years ago... and said in past posts, it's very 'bingie'...  I've never really gone more than 7-8 weeks w/o pills.. and my use is about 1-2 weeks at a time.  Does anyone know anything about the brain chemistry from narcotics?  I guess what I mean is how does the brain adjust over, say, 1 month, 2, 6, 1 year etc.  I know there are a million "when will I be normal", but I really think I may have some issues with my physical brain. (don't laugh)

[worried878]

the brain can build dependence in spite of pain with long term use..for me it did..i ate up my endorphins!..and i have real pain issues...pills dont care if u have pain or not...they may make u not care that u have pain for a while..same damage on ur brain tho if u use or abuse them long term..depression is the result..and fatigue/anxiety as ur brain tries to play catch up when u take them away....binging may in some ways be worse as ur brain is constantly trying re-adjust over and over...after a while it may not be sure what u r gonna do next!  get out while the getting is good...now!

[Clamity2]

Our natural ability to handle pain was being interfered with by the use and over use of opiates. My body had pains everywhere when I refused to take more pain killers. I remember thinking I feel like I got hit by a truck after the first week. But each day gets better. The pain I have that I had been taking vics and oxy for is not nearly as bad as my brain was telling me because I guess it convinced me I had more pain because my pleasure centers wanted it too.  I'm not a Dr. of course but I know it just takes time. Thats why N.A and A.A give medals for 30 60 and 90 days. It takes most at least that long to really get through some tough adjusting .  But like childbirth so worth the new life.

[botchedup]

oh yeah, tolerance develops whether you binge or nibble,,,,OPIOIDS do not care.  They do what they do.  tolerance, dependence, and addiction are inevitable with any kind of long term use in the abscence of acute pain.  And even then it's debatable.

[botchedup]

The receptors in your brain have been "taken up" so to speak by synthetic opioids.  Your natural endorphins end up "bouncing off" your receptors because their space is already taken up.  Natural endorphins slow their production because they are not being regenerated.  You feel like you have a chemical imbalance because you do.  You CAN heal.  You are not permanently damaged.  Replace the pills with exercise, sleep, and a plant-based diet, and with some hard work you will be fine in 3-6 months--totally ready for the beach:)  You can do this....make your daddy proud.:)  ps.  No one here is laughing...opioid dependence and addiction is serious.  Get out before you're looking at a five year habit and bad teeth.