I am very anxious, keep gettin the chills, tired and just feel like crap! When does this go away? Today is the first time I haven't used in about 8 months. I can't do this for too much longer! This sucks!!!
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Always be kinder than neccesary, you never know what kind of battle someone is fighting!
Nina, you may just be asking the wrong people. What you have going is a "medical condition". Only a doctor who knows or specializes in addictions can give you an answer to your question of "How Long...?" There are far too many variables for any of us to give you a (no pun intended) straight answer.
All I can say, since a doctor / hospital is out of the question, is to hang in there. Get to a meeting would be best and find someone there (female!!!) who may be able to guide you thru these very trying times. And yes, it does suck! But I (and many others here) can assure you that it does get better!! I, myself, can offer you no more than that, as little as it seems. It only comes from the personal experience of coming off my Drug Of Choice, which came in a glass bottle or an aluminum can..
Hi Nina, most withdrawal symptoms begin to fade after 48 hours, and by 72 hours you should be about over it. However, some people (who have posted here) complained of symptoms lasting a couple days longer. Drink lots of water. And google away for some info on opiate withdrawal (assuming when you posted pain pills).
Remember, it took you a long time to get into this condition, you shouldn't expect it to vanish in a day or so. Post acute withdrawal is another obstacle. Google "Staying sober" by Gorski and read away. Depression is common for a time, and may need some supervision, or at least knowing not to think too much about how your feel. It gets better, but you have to buy time. Knowing the enemy is key to surviving.
good luck in your new journey.
Dean
-- Edited by DeanC on Tuesday 17th of March 2009 03:48:43 PM
Hi there-my 2-cents worth...let a medical practitioner check you out, for your own safety, rather than use out of desparation. And I agree with Dean, some sound information, like Gorski's relapse prevention material is...for this addict...essential...to support not just getting clean and staying clean, but living clean and getting healthy, one day at a time. Can you get to an NA meeting? Or at least call your local NA hotline? Is a treatment program an option?
-- Edited by LeeU on Tuesday 17th of March 2009 05:42:24 PM
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From dying and surviving to living and thriving. LeeU
I have an appointment with a psychiatrist tomorrow... and I'm going to my first NA meeting tomorrow. I'm on the right track but maybe a should wait and do these before I quit cold turkey.
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Always be kinder than neccesary, you never know what kind of battle someone is fighting!
For this addict, "waiting" is just another way of heading back down a dead end street. If I use to stop the pain, I never get to the crucial appointments I have for "tomorrow". Is someone able to stay with you, or take you to the meeting? Don't bail now if you can hang tuf a little longer. The first step says I'm powerless...not that I am helpless...the misery is the toxicity leaving your system...feels horrible but is actually carrying you onto the path of recovery. Best wishes.
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From dying and surviving to living and thriving. LeeU
Welcome Nina! I don't know what you used, and it doesn't matter, and I don't want to alarm you or shake your resolve but I've known opiate addicts to feel crappy for a couple of weeks. The best advice you got was to see a doctor! You may want to consider an inpatient detox... Give yourself a running start. There are medications and therapies that are not addictive and can give you enough relief to push through. It is worth it! A life without drug dependency is a wonderful thing!!!
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The truth does not change based on my inability to stomach it - Flannery O'Connor
My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance and in inverse proportion to my expectations - Michael J. Fox
I just began my recovery, and what I did was go to a facility where I was observed while I detoxed. There are mixed emotions and opinions regarding the use of other drugs (even when prescribed) to assist in helping people come off of various drugs, however when it comes to certain drugs, a person can have life threatening withdrawals and should be watched and should be helped to ensure safety, in my opinion. In addition, if certain medical procedures (regarding addiction) can help give a person a fighting chance, why not?? Though it is important to note, that many people I have discussed this with, and now including myself, have realized the importance of having a sponsor and GOING THROUGH THE STEPS, and attending meetings.
Feel free to email me if you would like more detailed info about my drug of choice, what I am doing and what I went through. I am happy to share it with you. I have tried several different paths, trying to find recovery....however I ended back in hell. I didn't go to NA meetings, I didn't get a sponsor. Finally I got it. Finally I now have a sponsor and am going to meetings. During my hospital stay I went to meetings every day and it really did help.
I was in a detox unit where fortunately the staff really wants us to succeed and you could sense this from everyone. I have been to other facilities and did not feel the same, of course who is to say if it wasn't MY outlook that made things crappy?
I put myself into detox, was feeling awful.....AWFUL......most people here have experienced the same, similiar, or WORSE. It does get better!
Some people can do the three (perhaps 4-5) hardest days alone, however, depending on your drug of choice this may not be the wisest choice.
ASK FOR HELP
It is time to learn to LOVE yourself! Part of this is being kind to yourself. Wanting to heal and find health and balance is a great start! The fact that you are here, that you are TRYING....this is excellent.
Investigate what is available to you in your area, make use of these resources in behalf of your recovery. Your recovery is the most important thing right now. It is a process, this is what I am learning, and we addicts want everything NOW. It is addictive thinking. Ever hear: Nothing worthwhile comes easy? This is VERY true regarding the process of healing and lifelong recovery. We have the consequences of our actions or lack of, now to deal with.
You WILL find a support in NA....a community of people who truly understand and will love you until you learn to love yourself! WELCOME HOME rings in my ears!!
It is time for your miracle Nina and Elizabeth!! Mine too!!
-- Edited by WakingUp on Thursday 19th of March 2009 10:59:53 AM
Hi there-my 2-cents worth...let a medical practitioner check you out, for your own safety, rather than use out of desparation. And I agree with Dean, some sound information, like Gorski's relapse prevention material is...for this addict...essential...to support not just getting clean and staying clean, but living clean and getting healthy, one day at a time. Can you get to an NA meeting? Or at least call your local NA hotline? Is a treatment program an option?
There IS light at the end of the tunnel! 
