I have to make this quick! I have been addicted to pain killers for about 3 years now. I went to my first meeting last night and plan on going to an NA meeting this week. I haven't had a pill yet today and the withdrawal symptoms are kicking in. I'm doing ok right now for the most part, but I know I'm in for the long haul. Any advice on detoxing? I could really use the support! Thanks guys!
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Always be kinder than neccesary, you never know what kind of battle someone is fighting!
Nina I congratulate you for beginning to take responsibility for your addiction also WELCOME to NA.
If you need to go to the hopsital because your not feeling well just GO do not be afraid but be very honest with whomever you see and let them know what your doing and exactly what your trying to get off of and how your going about that.
HAve you got someone there who's going to help you through this time ? make sure you let someone know close to you whats going on incase you need help functioning.
Some people end up with DT's and need to be hospitalized , if it gets that bad is all I meant.
The meetings will help more then the accupuncture Nina, I suggest you get to meetings as much as possible 90 meetings 90 days is whats suggested, you asked .
are you healthy and reasonably young? Do you have a Dr.? You might call or go see him. There are some prescription aides to withdrawal. I'm no expert (never withdrew from opiates) but there are some threads here if you look back to last summer/fall
wouldn't hurt to talk to a Dr. or have your vitals checked. But if you're not over weight, and don't have any other issues, like high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes... etc. you should be able sweat it out. You can do it. Got anyone that can check in on you or look after you?
hey nina, i've been through some serious withdrawls from simular shit. What helped me was drinking plenty of water (because i was loosing so much fluid both ways ) and to try and eat small stuff. Kinda what you would do with the flu. What got me through that pain was i knew it wouldn't last forever. It couldn't. That horrible pain was a good motivator for me not to pick it up again and today when i even think of using i remember how i had to sit on a toliet and have a bucket in the other hand. If you start to feel pain in the chest area or having trouble breathing than go to the emerg. I was lucky to live in canada where paying for hospital care isn't an issue...... good luck ill keep you in my prayers. and repeat over and over this too shall pass
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people who mind don't matter, and people who matter don't mind- Dr. Seuss
Nina... Congrats on your efforts and I urge you to stick with the program!! I, like you, had the same addiction to pain killers, and I took it to the next level. Recently I went through the hell of detox as well. The first day was bad, the second day worse, the third day it gets better. Though you most likely will feel a heaviness in your limbs and will be extremely weak. Your body has forgotten to produce several vital components, such as endorphins for example. The physical reaction you are feeling because you stopped taking your drug of choice, is the result...because your bodies receptors are crying out for the drug. Normally your body would answer by creating endorphins but it first MUST REMEMBER how to!!
The body has an amazing capacity for healing. Just like a cut heals, your nervous system will go through a healing process.
There are several levels of healing that hopefully you will engage yourself into.
I believe it to be of extreme importance that you seek help!! People at NA meetings are very resourceful people! You will find support on various levels. Please go to a meeting today!! I know you feel awful. Be it because you used or did not use. It does not matter!! GET THERE!! Ask for help.
You are worth it!!
I honor you sister...for wanting recovery, for being here, and for going through what you are going through. Just remember YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
I am 43. I started my physical addiction early (15) but it did not fester until my mid thirties. Here you are attacking this at your mid twenties!!! This is awesome!! You know you deserve to be happy!! Getting into the program now will better your chances of living a healthy happy life!
Find a sponsor....the NA family will love you until you learn to love yourself. This was said to me when I first joined. It made wonderful sense. I am finding it to be true!
I did accupuncture...it helped only because while I did it I focused and centered myself. Naturally that helps. But understand that accupuncture will not make your receptors instantly 'healthy' again. You literally must learn to regrow internally. It will help, but it will not make all the pain go away. For some it helps cravings to have the points in the ears done, but as far as withdrawals go...it is just physical law that you must endure the process. I have 20 years in wholistic practices, including accupressure, Shiatsu, massage, wholistic medicine. A STEAM bath will feel really good as will a whirlpool, however you need to make sure you are hydrated fully, and please do not do these alone. Have someone with you. The chills that most people feel, the body aches, the anxiety, will be helped (but not fully removed), you will most likely find some comfort in a steam bath!! If you end up vommitting or other gastro-intestinal upsets, you need to make sure you are putting lots of fluid back into your body!
As you go through this process.....I hope it will help you to know that people here are rooting for you!! See? people you have never met know that you are there and in need and we are all here on earth with you....wanting your recovery!!
One more thing... This is one of the reasons we newbies NEED sponsors! My sponsor reminded me today that this process is spiritual as well as physical...and that miracles have happened in the rooms of NA, where people have lost all desire to use as well as having their pain lifted instantly. It makes sense to me that the more we are willing to let go and let our higher power: surrender our lives, that we have much more to gain!
I went to 2 meetings today and it was great!! I am getting hooked!
