Thursday, September 6, 2012

Getting Some Sleep During Opiate Withdrawal

Introduction

Hello everyone and welcome to what is now my 11th post on my blog about opiate addiction. I would like to use this post to discuss something we so often take for granted; sleep. For someone who hasn't had a problem with opiate addiction and has no sleeping problems/conditions, sleep is often a natural occurrence that comes with relative ease. Sleep is what allows our mind and body to rest, heal, and rejuvenate itself and is something we all need in order to survive. Well for someone who suffers from opiate addiction, getting and staying asleep can be quite difficult. It is not uncommon for opiate addicts to have restless nights of sleeping, trouble going to sleep, or to have to wake up early as withdrawals begin to creep their way in. It gets even worse for opiate addicts when they decide to quit opiates cold turkey or to discontinue their use of opiates after tapering or treatment (Suboxone or Methadone). I've been there before and can vouch that it is one of the worst parts of opiate withdrawals. Therefore, I would like to dedicate this particular post to talk about sleep when the time comes for us to quit opiates.

If you are interested in reading other posts in my blog about opiate addiction, click on any of the following links (in order from 1st post to most latest post).

Welcome Post (1st Post)
My Experience With Suboxone
The Dreaded Withdrawals
Why We Got Addicted To Opiates
Suboxone Vs Methadone
The Vivitrol Shot
Addiction And Our Bodies
A Soldier's Addiction
Cold Turkey Or Opiate Replacement Therapy
Some Good Quotes About Opiate Addiction


When one stops using opiates, a variety of withdrawals will begin to come into play and can leave the person involved feeling like they are in a state of absolute hell. For this post, I will be referring to those who have either quit opiates cold turkey or who have stopped using all opiates after their tapering or treatment is completed. Basically, this post is for people who are no longer taking any forms of opiates (be it Oxycodone, Methadone, Suboxone, Morphine, ect...). When one quits opiates, they often have difficulty in getting and staying asleep due to a variety of factors. Restless legs (the withdrawal I hate the most), a racing mind, the chills, cold sweats, anxiety, and aches/pains are some of the more common withdrawals that affect our sleep patterns the most when going through withdrawals. I can remember a few times in which I attempted to quit opiates cold turkey and couldn't get more than a couple hours (if I was lucky) of sleep in a night. During the day, we are faced with withdrawals such as lack of energy, chills, cold sweats, diarrhea, and aches/pain. One basically feels like they have a really, really bad case of the flu. Come nighttime, our bodies are often tired and hurting after a long day (minutes seem like hours) of experiencing withdrawals, only to face even more agony at night. When the sun finally rises the next day, we have to experience this cycle all over again until withdrawals begin to calm after a period of time.

How many of us feel during Opiate Withdrawal at night.

I want this post to talk about a few things in regards to sleep and opiate withdrawal and I think the best way to do this is to break down this post into a few sections. I would like to touch upon the importance/role of sleep, the process of sleep for an opiate addict, and finally some methods that may help one get a good night's sleep (or at least a few hours) when experiencing opiate withdrawal. On that note, lets begin.

The Role & Importance of Sleep
 
Sleep is defined as a natural periodic state of rest for the mind and body, in which the eyes usually close and consciousness is completely or partially lost, so that there is a decrease in bodily movement and responsiveness to external stimuli (Free Dictionary by Farlex). Sleep is what allows our mind and body to have the opportunity to rest and perform several important tasks. Without sleep, one will not survive for very long and unhealthy sleeping patterns can result in both physical and mental health conditions. Sleep helps restore and strengthen our immune system, which is critical to our bodies as it helps heal or prevent wounds/injuries, infections, diseases, viruses, and much more. Sleep also aids in the brain and development of it. Despite there still being a lack of total understanding of the roles sleep has in living organisms, one thing is clear, sleep is essential for our survival.
 
There is a lot of information out there about sleep and of course not all of it has to do with opiate addiction or withdrawal in regards to sleep. This blog is meant to focus on opiate addiction so I don't want to be throwing a total lecture about sleep at you guys when that's probably not what you're looking for here. I just wanted to provide everyone with a brief understanding about sleep to get things started and to show how important it is to our survival. If you guys are interested in knowing more about sleep, I have included a few links below this paragraph that discuss the topic.

http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/science
http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih3/sleep/guide/info-sleep.htm
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/sleep/index.htm
http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleeping.htm
 
The Sleeping Patterns of an Opiate Addict
 
As most of you probably know already, opiate addicts tend to live a life quite different from those who do not suffer from addiction. The old saying "don't judge a person until you walk a mile in their shoes" is perfect for this scenario. As I said before, for someone who doesn't suffer from opiate addiction and has no sleeping problems/conditions, sleep is something that comes natural and takes little challenge to accomplish. However, for someone who does suffer from addiction and is currently going through opiate withdrawal, sleep can seem almost impossible at times. The withdrawals from opiates affect not only our bodies, but our minds as well resulting in our bodies being somewhat different than that of your average Joe who isn't addicted to opiates. Now I'm certainly no doctor (I can't count how many times I've said that before) but I believe the reason an opiate addict's sleep patterns become so disturbed are a near direct result of the effects opiates have the brain. I know it isn't rocket science that the physical withdrawals can keep one awake but I also believe that the mental aspect of opiate withdrawal is far too often overlooked. My guess is that the opiates play some kind of role in messing around with our brain chemistry resulting in some kind of imbalance or in something up there being "off". I mentioned before in my previous posts about the effect opiate addiction can have on not only our bodies but our minds as well, if you wish to check that post out simply click HERE.
 
Having an addiction to opiates can have quite an impact on our brain receptors whose purpose is release endorphins. Endorphins are basically opioid peptides that function as neurotransmitters. In other words, Endorphins are released in the brain as result of doing something we enjoy or find pleasure in such as exercising, having sex, or spending time with someone who we enjoy being with. Unfortunately, these same endorphins can be created and released each time we use opiates which ultimately result in one's mind and body enjoying the presence of opiates in the body. By continuing to use opiates over a period of time, the brain will begin to crave the presence of these endorphins eventually resulting in the person feeling the constant need to please the brain with the use of opiates. This is why it can sometimes be difficult for former opiate addicts to find enjoyment in things they once enjoyed as well as also resulting in depression or anxiety among other things. After reading all that, you can probably imagine the true effect opiates have on the mind and body which are what can ultimately control your sleeping patterns.
 
Once again, there's a lot of information out there about endorphins, the reward system in our brains, and the effects opiate addiction can have on these matters. I'll leave you guys with a few more links that address these topics in more detail below this paragraph.

http://www.allaboutaddiction.com/addiction/addiction-brain-effects-opiate-addiction-heroin-oxycontin
http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid=103089
http://www.canadianmedicaljournal.ca/content/164/6/817.full
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleasure_center
http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/reward-center-in-brain-work
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/reward/
 
Some Methods To Help With Sleep During Opiate Withdrawal
 
Getting some sleep during opiate withdrawal is something that nearly each and every one of us desires and wishes for when we choose to stop using opiates. Some people may be able to get some sleep during opiate withdrawals while others may feel as though they've been wide awake for what seems like a week straight. Like I always say, everyone is different. Some people experience certain withdrawals more or less than others and there is no universal law out there that will tell how good or bad your withdrawals will be. Unfortunately, there is no miracle drug or method out there that will prevent withdrawals but there are some methods that can help ease them. For this section of the post, I am going to talk about a few of these very methods which may help one who is suffering from opiate withdrawals and can't achieve sleep.
 
Over The Counter Medications- There are a few over the counter (OTC) medications out there that might be able to help you find sleep when going through opiate withdrawal. A common one is the drug Diphenhydramine, which is found in the OTC medication Benadryl. For some people this works great for in achieving sleep but for others (myself included) it has little to no effect. It is important to note that Benadryl when taken in high enough doses can result in restless legs and a jittery feeling similar to if one were take some caffeine. In even higher doses, Benadryl can result in hallucinations or even death so be smart when using this medication as a sleep aid. Basically, if you're not feeling much of an effect after taking the recommended dose, quit while you're ahead and don't look to take more in hopes of achieving sleep.


Another OTC medication that can be used to help with sleep is Doxylamine, which is most commonly found in the OTC drug Unisom. I have used Unisom and from my own personal experience feel that it works better than Benadryl. Tylenol PM is also another alternative to help with sleep as well as the aches/pain that often come with opiate withdrawals. Tylenol PM contains both Diphenydramine and Acetaminophen. The Diphenydramine in Tylenol PM is the same ingredient found in Benadryl and is what will help with the sleep. The Acetaminophen helps with aches, pains, and fever. All of these OTC medications should be used with caution as most are meant for short term use only. Ingesting to much of these medications can have severe consequences so be sure to be smart and talk with your doctor before doing anything drastic.


A final OTC medication that I feel is worth mentioning is Melatonin. Melatonin is a natural ingredient and works by replicating what the naturally occurring compound N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine does in our bodies. This compound is basically what aids our brain in determining when to sleep and has been getting more and more attention as of late. It is important to note that this medication takes time to work (usually at least a couple weeks) and that the dose needed to help aid with sleep varies from person to person. The good thing about Melatonin is that it is not addicting which is a huge plus for the addiction community. I gave Melatonin a shot before and didn't find it to help much with getting to sleep but I have seen other people praising how well it works. Like always, everyone is different so be sure to talk with your doctor if you do decide to give Melatonin (or any of these medications) a try.


Prescription Medications - Prescription sleep aids are usually more powerful and effective in helping one achieve sleep but do come with their risks. Many of these medications can be habit forming and addictive so anyone who has suffered from addiction in the past should be cautious with these medications. I have given a few prescription medications a try before and to no surprise would have to agree that they are far more effective than OTC drugs. A common prescription sleep aid is the drug Zolpidem, which is found in the medication Ambien. Ambien is a pretty powerful medication that has a pretty high success rate in terms of achieving sleep. I have tried Ambien before and found that it works great for getting some sleep but eventually canceled my prescription to it as I felt there was to great of a chance I would develop an addiction to it. There are also some side effects with Ambien such as sleepwalking, nightmares, and hallucinations so once again be careful my friends with these medications.

The drug Eszopiclone is another option and can be found in the medication Lunesta. I have no experience with this drug but have been told it is similar to Ambien but slightly stronger. Lorazepam is a option as well that is found in the medication Ativan, which works by slowing activity in the brain to allow for relaxation. Ativan also helps with anxiety which is something that can certainly arise during opiate withdrawal. Clonazepam, found in Klonopin, is yet another option as a sleep remedy. This drug is commonly prescribed for seizures, anxiety, and insomnia and based on what I have heard is quite powerful. I have no experience with Ativan or Klonopin so be sure to do your research and talk with your doctor if you think either of these may be an option.


Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that are commonly used to treat sleeping problems and conditions. These are usually the more powerful sleep aid medications but carry the risk of developing an addiction. Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines is said to be quite severe, long, and painful with many saying the withdrawals from Benzodiazepines are far more dangerous and worse than those of opiate withdrawals. Some examples of Benzodiazepines include Klonopin (see above), Estazolam (ProSom), Flurazepam (Dalmane), Quazepam (Doral), Temazepam (Restoril), and Triazolam (Halcion). If you feel these drugs are capable of causing you to develop an addiction to them, your best bet is to stay away from these medications and look elsewhere. Another option is to use these drugs short-term (under 2 weeks) to help with the early stages of opiate withdrawal. These are powerful drugs guys, so be sure to be safe and to use these only under your doctor's supervision.

Another medication that may help with finding sleep is the drug Trazodone. I have used Trazodone before in the past and found it to work pretty well. While the Trazodone did help me, it was no where near as effective or powerful as the Ambien. Trazodone isn't as addictive as Ambien or some of the other drugs mentioned but it can still be considered somewhat habit forming. One will most likely not get too many physical withdrawals when stopping Trazodone, there is the chance of having trouble getting to sleep, having nightmares, and a sense of restlessness if suddenly stopped. The dosages prescribed for Trazodone vary greatly (any where from 25 mg to as high as 600 mg) so you and your doctor may have to slowly work your way up to a dose that works well for you.

Natural Remedy's - There are also other alternatives to sleep aid medications that can help during opiate withdrawal. One thing that works well for a lot of people is the use of hot baths, hot tubs, and trips to the sauna. These methods help relax the body and can be great for dealing with the chills and aches/pains. Exercising is another option but is something that can be quite difficult to do when going through withdrawals. When one exercises, their body releases endorphins just like how our bodies do when we use our drug of choice. Not only is exercise healthy for you, it will also often leave you feeling tired at the end of the day. Some decaffeinated tea, warm milk, or hot coco before bed can be soothing for some as well and is great for helping with the chills. Coffee isn't a bad idea during the day to get you up and going while withdrawing but should be avoided close to bedtime. The great thing about these methods are that they are not addicting or habit forming.


There are also several relaxation techniques that can be beneficial as well. When I first heard of these, I thought they were just a bunch of B.S. but must admit they did actually help a little after finally giving them a chance. Relaxation techniques include breathing exercises, mediating, and listening to those audio tapes that play peaceful sounds or music. Lets face it, when you're withdrawing you're basically willing to try anything to help yourself get through those rough times. I also find creating and sticking to a going to sleep and waking up schedule helps a lot to with sleep. What I mean by this is to not have nights were you're up until 3 A.M. and wake up the next day at 11 A.M. then following the previous day by going to bed early and waking up early. Make a schedule and stick to it.
 
A breathing exercise that I have found to help with not only getting to sleep but relaxing works by lowering your pulse and clearing your mind. For some people, this works well while others may not notice much of a difference. It takes a little practice to get used to as well. It can also help when you have a panic attack or are frustrated. This breathing exercise is called the 4-7-4 technique and works as follows:
 
  1. Sit down in a chair with your back straight and hands together meeting at your stomach.
  2. Your fingers should interlock at your stomach with the backside (opposite of your palm side) of your hands facing out.
  3. Inhale and take a 4 second continuous breath of fresh air and hold it in for 7 seconds.
  4. After holding your breath for 7 seconds, release your breath for 4 seconds continuously
  5. Continue this 3-5 times

Another thing that may help is simply reading a book, surfing the web, or watching a little television before bed. It will help keep your mind busy while giving you some entertainment to pass the time and relax. However, don't just sit there for a few hours watching television, surfing the web, or playing video games as this can have the opposite effect. Try doing something that you really enjoy that doesn't take up a lot of your energy. Having a good environment around you before you go to sleep can make quite the difference so make sure you're in a relaxed, quiet, and comfortable environment each night.

Herbal Methods - There are also some natural herbs out there that are said to help with sleep. While I have never tried any of these herbs, the ones I most commonly hear about are Valerian Root and St. John’s Wort, which can usually be found at stores like GNC or Vitamin World. There are other herbal remedy's out there as well. I have also heard Lavender can help. Don't look at these herbs as something you shouldn't talk to your doctor about as some of them carry side effects or can have adverse effects with other medications. As always, be smart and talk with your doctor!


Other - A final thing that may help some of you guys may come across as somewhat controversial so please note that it is not my purpose or intent to offend anyone or to seem contradicting. When some people look to quit their addiction to opiates, they also look to end their use of all drugs and alcohol, which I think is probably the best route to go. This includes drugs such as tobacco and marijuana. In my opinion, I believe that marijuana is without a doubt a drug and can also serve as a gateway drug meaning that it's use can eventually lead to the user moving on to other harder drugs. However, I think for the most part, marijuana is quite harmless and agree that it is not addicting. It might become a habit but you won't see anyone having chills, cold sweats, extreme anxiety, diarrhea, and the other classic symptoms of opiate withdrawal when they stop using marijuana. As someone who enjoyed smoking marijuana and did so often in the past, I would often use the drug as a way to help control the anxiety that would so often accompany opiate withdrawal. It would sometimes also help me get to sleep which can seem close to impossible during opiate withdrawal. I no longer smoke marijuana due to the rules of the Suboxone program I am now in as well as just trying to make drugs a past part of my life but I still personally have no ill feelings towards the drug. I'll leave this one up to you guys. If you think it may help, give it a shot. However, if you think it might do more harm than good, then by all means stay away from it (and other drugs).

After debating with myself whether or not I should have included the use of marijuana to help with sleep during opiate withdrawal, I came to the conclusion that I want to be able to provide you guys with whatever I think can help you guys without causing any harm or bad consequences. That's why I often write about medications but never recommend dosages or regimes besides telling you guys to talk with your doctor and to never take more than told/recommended. The biggest reason I had debated on whether or not to include marijuana as an option in this post is that for some people, when they use marijuana, the high they get from it brings on too much of a temptation to get back to using the opiates again. Sometimes the high from marijuana is just to much for a person and it can begin to bring out our inner demons with addiction. While I personally believe marijuana can have its benefits, I would have to say that the best route to take is to probably just avoid it along with any other drugs or alcohol.

I also want to state that I defiantly wouldn't advise anyone to use alcohol as a means of getting to sleep. Not only is that an unhealthy and potentially dangerous thing to do, but that alcohol itself can become an addiction. This is especially true for any addict as we tend to develop addictions quicker and easier than most people. In addition, while the use of alcohol may make one feel good and able to get to sleep, it will most likely leave the person feeling even worse the next day. It is already shitty enough having to deal with opiate withdrawals so why add a nasty hangover to the mix. Both alcohol and marijuana can impair the way we think and act, which could result in one making some poor decisions such as deciding to use opiates adding yet another reason to avoid any drugs or alcohol during opiate withdrawal.

I know I might sound somewhat contradicting to some about what I have just said but I just want to add what I found has worked for me in the past. If you asked me what to do in regards to the marijuana, I would say to defiantly stay away from any drugs/alcohol and to only use the marijuana if you feel confident enough it won't have any negative impacts and as a last resort if possible. Remember, the whole point of getting off the opiates is to live a sober life. Like I've said more times than I can count, everyone is different with some people being able to handle things differently or better than others. You shouldn't even consider looking to drugs such as cocaine, heroin, meth, hallucinates, and the like to help ease withdrawals. Believe me, drugs like those will do much more harm than good and can lead you into a whole another world of problems.

Some Other Quick Tips For Finding Sleep
 
  • If you can't get to sleep within a half hour or so, don't just stay in bed tossing and turning! Get up and go to a lightly lit room and do something that requires little energy and is relatively boring/dull. Some examples include reading the newspaper or a book, writing in a journal, going for a short walk, ect. You must train your body and mind that your bed is a place for sleep so that when you enter your bed in the future, your mind and body will know it's time for sleep. Or the other thing...
 
  • Try to limit television, video games, or exercise right before bed as both can tend to get your mind and body up, focused, and ready to go.
 
  • Limit any caffeine, high Carb, or sugary foods at night. Eat right during the day and limit (or even quit if you can) any tobacco products. Too much of these things can keep you up at night.
 
  • If you're religious, calm yourself by spending a few minutes saying your prays before bed. If religion isn't your cup of tea, give mediation a shot and try relaxing and meditating for about 15 minutes before bed.
 
  • Try to keep your mind occupied on something calming and something you enjoy. Don't worry about your addiction, bills you have to pay, work, or any other things that can get you worked up and worrying while you are in bed at night.
 
  • As I mentioned before, make sure to set up a sleep schedule where you wake up and go to bed around the same time each day. Try to limit long naps during the day by either not napping at all or limiting your naps to less than 45 minutes (cat naps). It can be tough for some people (myself included) but try not to sleep in late on weekends or days off from work/school as this can further disrupt your sleeping patterns.
 
  • Make your sleeping environment comfortable by having a nice, comfortable bed, a room temperature that's comfortable for you, and keeping noise to a minimal.
 
  • If you continue having trouble in getting and staying asleep, don't continue to just put it off! Make a visit to your doctor and discuss with him or her what the two of you think is the best route of action to take in getting some sleep.  

Conclusion
 
Well guys, that's all I got for you and I really hope this post was helpful for you. In my opinion, the lack of sleep that comes with opiate withdrawals is one of the worst symptoms. You end up feeling so tired after not getting any sleep from the night before but still cannot fall asleep the next night, it really sucks. For some people, these methods may work great for while others may have mixed results. I'm sure there's a lot more information out there and I would love to hear some feedback from you guys about this matter. Comment below in the comment section if you have any thoughts, experiences, or recommendations that can help with achieving sleep during opiate withdrawals. I have also put up a new poll which can be found at the bottom of this page and would love to hear what you guys think. I'll end this post by wishing everyone nothing but the best and ask that each and every one of you guys to continue seeing that light! I have also included yet another a link for you guys below this paragraph that has some good information about some of the methods to achieve sleep. Some of the stuff on this website we have talked about already in this post but there is also much more. Here is the link below.
 
 
Until next time, take care guys.

 
-Seeingthelight




101 comments:

  1. Bless you the RLS and no sleep is killing me and making my weening to none so difficult

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  2. It's brutal bro - hang in there. I'm on hour 34, and I know I'm not getting any sleep for the next couple of nights which really sucks. Never again

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  3. I am in my 14th day with no opiotes, or bupes, or meth, completely drug free, When on opiotes I slept like a baby, so to come out of a program not expecting to go without sleep for what is now 2 weeks, I was ready to commit myself to a hospital, I haven't smoked pot since I was a young man(i'm now 51 and blew my lifes savings over the past five years on opiotes) so facing the reality of what I have done to my family, and tie that to a complete lack of sleep for as long as it's been, a friend gave me a joint and said to try it, I took one hit and almost imediatley my stomach problem felt some relief I ate a large meal for the first time and an hour later I was asleep and slept for almost 5 hours. I tried it again last night and got abour 4 hours witch to me was great so I'll try again tonite when the flashes in my body start going strong, Ill take a hit or two and hope it works again

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  4. I found that whiskey and about 5 oxy tens help me sleep real good

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    1. My husband was on 90mg of Methadone for 4 1/2 years. He decided to quit and went down 3mg every day until he was at 30mg. He was ready to go into a detox facility and had been told as long as he was at or under 30mg they had a spot in their veterans wing for him. However, the day he went to check in he sat waiting (while suffering withdrawal) for over 4 hours just to be told they couldn't admit him without a referral from the VA. My husband called the VA and was told he would have to make an appointment with his primary care doctor and for any vets out there you know how long that takes!! He decided to try the emergency room at the big VA facility but all they did was admit him to the mental health ward where they told him they don't do detox. He was released the next morning and was in pretty bad shape! He refused to give in and get back on methadone even though at this point he had been experiencing withdrawal for 11 days and was close to having a complete mental breakdown. He decided that giving up or waiting on the VA wasn't an option and since we live in Oregon he went to a dispensary and bought some marijuana. It gave him about 20 min of relief each time he smoked but with 3 kids in the house he would go outside to smoke and getting up every 20-30 min to go smoke got old really quick. On the 12th day he got up and said I can't just sit here anymore and walked for hours. He did this for three days and he said it helped stop the legs and arms from going crazy. This Thursday will be 3 weeks since his last dose, he has slept a total of 10 hours with days in between any sleep at all and is still having stomach issues but, says he feels 10x better. For anyone who decides to use marijuana for relief there are a few things we learned. The Sativa produces a phycadelic high which most people experience paranoia or even panic attacks. The Indica is more of a body high which is what helps and then there are highbrids which is a mix of the two. If you are fortunate enough to live in OR, WA, or NV you can go to your local dispensary. If you get it the other way you really can't be sure what kind it is. Ultimately though it all comes down to will power and a good support base. METHADONE SHOULD NEVER BE GIVEN TO ANYONE AND FOR ANY OPIATE ADDICTS CONSIDERING IT THINK ABOUT THIS FIRST. Pills and heroine withdrawal suck but the worst of it is over within a week METHADONE withdrawal is like multiplying that by 5 and then be prepared for months of other annoying side affects. I have gone through withdrawal from a 6-9 80mg OXYCONTIN a day habit and it was nothing compared to Methadone!!! My husband wrote the methadone warning because he doesn't want anyone else to be fooled into thinking Methadone is a good thing! I know this is a long comment but hopefully it will help someone.

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    2. I THINK THIS IS PROB THE BEST ADVISE I'VE GOTTEN IN A LONG TIME. I HAVE A TERRIBLE ISSUE WITH RESTLESS ARMS AND LEGS. I'M GOING TO TRY THE WALKING THING AND I REALLY HAVE HOPE THAT IT WILL HELP. I'M PRAYING THAT IT DOES. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENT.

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  5. I battled a 2 year$200 a day heroin addict to normalize my borderline personality PTSD disorder fu%&ed up life Not even my fiance knew till the day i broke down crying and confessed i needed help my fiance is still in shock more embaressed i think he knows nothing on addiction doesnt smoke or barely drink so after i checked myself into the methadone clinic over a year ago he just made me feel that i was subsatuting one addiction over another so 2 weeks ago i financialy detoxed out of the clinic my choice but i stopped at 10 mg and im living in hell ive been hiding vodka bottles around the house vodka cuz you supposedly cant smell it on the breath which i sleep more than 1-2 hours a niight but makes me mean and feeling worse in morning ive tried bottles of imodium ad benadryl tylenol pm unisom even claritan ive been to the er they gave me clonidine patch and still nothing ive noticed my days dont seem as long but my nights are torture im more depressed my borderline crap is way outta wack and all im craving is dope even had a few dope dreams i feel im at the end of my rope and i know drinking the way i have been is very dangerous but i jus dont and cant feel like this anymore my fiance still dont get it and prob never will and my 2 kids are watching behave strange the nights i drink
    which no doubt could have neg affects on them too!!!! I have been heroine free for over a year but atleast when i

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  6. At least when i was using i could function!! Does it get easier and its been 2 weeks since my last methadone of 10mgs how much longer if anyone knows will the sleeplessnights go on for? I NEED SLEEP

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  7. Comprehensive,informative,sympathetic. Thank you,Thank you,Thank you. I can tough this sleeplessness out.Coming off a 2 week stint on Tramadol. Why wasn't I warned by the GP's and chemist re withdrawl problems?....Edward

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  8. I'm dying...on day 4 cold turkey and havent slept since the first night without. During the day it's getting a little better, the first three days at work were hell...no energy, pain, grumpy to my coworkers etc. etc. Thanks for posting this blog.

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  9. this is my 3rd time coming off, I stay away for a couple years and then I get bk on, I wish I knew how long each time will last me till I feel normal but its normally 1-2 weeks. suboxone only wrks by weening down and I mean by the time your ready to get off your taking a lil sliver bout a millimeter every other day, clonidine is non opiate and can be prescribed by fam doctor, its the one that helps the w/d

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  10. I have been on hydrocodone for several years. I have weaned down to 7.5 a day. I have to work and take of my kids. Was wondering if i go down little more could I avoid the withdrwal?

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    1. yes...yes ...yes....that is how i did it go t 5 then 2.5 over a week or two. then just stop...you wont die. might not sleep good for a few weeks but small price to pay to be finally done with the pills. hang in there you are on your way to nomofo pills

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  11. How many were you taking a day before you went to one pill a day ? Did you have any withdrawal as you reduced your daily dosage ?

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  12. I have found that OxyContin cold turkey and the addition of any sleep and or meds like xanax to calm you cause MAJOR jittery feelings in me and have found that I just stay up 24-7 until I collapse! Any advice?

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  13. Omg so it could b as long as 2 weeks or longer w noooo sleep???.

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  14. Oh yeah, I'm on day 5 of suboxone withdrawal after taking for 5 yrs so too opiate addiction, I actually physically don't feel too bad, just have the horrible chill going my neck and no sleep, I've withdrawaled from heroine, norco and percs, and compared this is a cake walk but the no sleep for me was always the hardest part, I've tried all the tricks and really only damn time will fix it,it blows believe me I know being so tired and thinking thank god I can feel it in gonna sleep and then nothing but hey we all played with the fire too hard and it's the we got to pay I guess

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    1. Damn phone spelled that out all stupid sorry about that, oh and watching my wife sleep each night with ease sucks too lol but one thing that helps me through this is thinking that im freeing or getting back my soul, no longer a slave ya know? I mean yeah getting high was fun but you all know that you at the end it was more about not getting sick more then being fun right? And we all know to balance the two is inevitably impossible, I'm 29 and to me opiates are just the worst, it's an evil dance I have never been able to finish, I know first hand how bad it is, lost my brother who was my best friend to them, I don't know what was harder loosing my brother or watching my parents loose their child, but I can tell you there's nothing better then to now truly feel emotion again, Christ I'm crying about my bro as I write this but couldn't shed a tear when I carried him out of the funeral home, it's a crazy drug and almost funny that the withdrawal won't kill you like booze or benzos can, but you almost wish you would right? So I just want to say hang the F$#k in there we all have a life to live and why not feel it the way it was meant to be felt not numbed out or sweating out how much crap you got left and worrying about running out, go out and enjoy the little things again

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    2. Fuck yes bro! Day 6 being clean after 200$ a day habit being tapered with methadone.. sorry to hear about your bro just use yours and his story to help people like this I'm sure you know he would want that! Respect!

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  15. Going on my Third Night and no sleep.....I am also suffering wit RLS....Its driving me crazy....I want to sleep!!! I've only been taken the Vicodin for about 6 months. 325 mg nothing of large numbers three times a day. I am not one to have taken anything....but due to lower back pain all I wanted was relief from all the pain. And now Here I am...I need to sleep. I will address this with my doctor and ask for something to help me sleep that is wont have withdrawal symptoms.

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  16. Temazepam withdrawal caused chronic insomnia and much suffering. Trazodone too not good. Stay away from these because it brings on problems you never had before and Doctors don't tell you these are not good and you suffer, suffer, suffer.
    Is there an end to this! Pray

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  17. I have really been struggling with sleep myself, I have been on prescription opiates for 3 years for chronic back pain, and found they no longer were working like they used to. I figured why continue if they aren't managing my pain. The first week was horrible, but I am into my second week, and most of the nausea associated with WD is now manageable, but I still cannot sleep. Frustrating.

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  18. I finally had to try some clonazepam, that I had seen on 2 other blogs. Very small dose 0.5mg tablets, but I got a whole 4 hours last night, thankfully. This is going to take longer than I thought......

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  19. I been on oxycodone about 4 year now One of the most frustrating symptoms along with the lethargy. I feel as though I have the urge to constantly move my legs and sometimes my whole body.I cant get good sleep about an hour or 2 at a time till daylight. I hate the daytime withdrawls too but I can handle them ok its the nite when I want and need to sleep that is terrible .My wife is also an addict she has been on it longer about 7 years, we have 4 boys together and we been together for 20 years. I remember when we first got together for the first 13-14 years we neither did any drugs at all and could never imagine doing drugs , but around that time she got hurt and prescribed pain pills at first she was fine but a year and couple surgerys later dr said she would not be able to go with out pain meds. This still wasn't a problame for another 5-6 months but she started taking more and more because they didn't work and I hated it for her but I also at the time didn't know how hard it as so I was like its easy you can cotrole what you take and we argue a little, but it wouldn't be to much longer that my punk ass would go head on with what most of us call the KARMA TRAIN. Yeah fucking choo choo , I end up hurt and was started on pain meds I will never forget how cocky I was I said I aint gonna even fill this script I'll sow her how this shit is done, so I get home and I aon what ever they give you through IV and was told to get started on my pain meds as soon as felt the onset of my pan coming on, Remember guys , I didn't even go to the drug store I am a bad dude, Yeah 7 hours later I am calling her at work almost crying cause she has the car , and don't you know she left work and hurried home to my rescue we went to the pharmacy and as soon as he hand me the script I opened and took 2 pills bye the time I got home I felt better, and a liitle less cocky.
    That was the first time I ever took a pain pill sad thing is my pain meds still work pretty good but as time went by I started to abuse them.Someone told me that me and my wife couldn't be together, said 2 addicts cant do it , well my friends divorce is not an option. Is there anyone out there who as a couple that did this together get off the pills together, if so please share your story.

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    1. My hubs and I are doing it right now. Both in the same boat, but he's travelling on the road and I'm at home. I have access to things that will ease my issues of withdrawal. He's doing great, and I'm stuck here, cheating every so often so I can get some sleep. It's freaking hard.

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  20. Robby, it was only myself on the pain meds, so I do not have a story to share. My advice, if you are both considering trying to quit the oxy, do it one at a time. With 4 kids, one of you will have to be able to manage the family. The first week will be really rough, the second week will be better. I have been off the pain meds 30 days now, I think more clearly, and am not as lethargic. I am up to 4-5 hours of sleep a night now, which is still not enough, but hopefully in another month, things will be back to normal. I have read on other blogs, that it can take up to 6 months for normal sleep patterns to emerge. Good luck to you, and stay strong, if you decide to do it.

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  21. you are on suboxone now though? that is still a drug that is a longer detox time then opiate.

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  22. I had to totally isolate myself from anyone or anything that would even make me consider getting high. I had always swore I'd never let myself start using opiates intravenously but over last few months I broke my own rule. I just knew i couldn't keep going at that pace long so luckily my family owns a little cabin on trinity river in tx with no connection to the outside world totally off grid hell actually takes a 45 minute boat ride from the nearest ramp to get there and just told my father straight up what was going on since he suffers chronic pain i knew he'd understand and right now I'm on day 6. Sleep is still rough but I'm slowly getting back some energy during the day and have to force myself to get up and move every now n then so hang in there it will get better it just took me loosing everythimg including our 4 children hime job and self respect followed by a 3 day stay in ICU from blood infection to finally decide it was time to change some things. Especially now that im almost 40.

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  23. Im on day 20 of my withdrawls from stopping my Metadone. I am in a living hell. Melatonin is causing me mood swings really bad ones. Benedryl makes me have worse muscle spasms. I don't know what to do. I am so miserable and wish I knew how much longer this is going to last cause i don't know if I can handle this much longer.

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  24. Since I'm guessing if your an addict you have snorted your meds, if so & only saying this because I have seen it work wonders is, find some suboxone 8mg tabs not the strips, 2-3, also find dilaudid, mg don't matter but prolly around 4-6 4mg ones, now snort those for a cpl days& I say cpl days cuz thier stronger crushed then dissolving, try to spread it out to do your last bit when you go to sleep, when you wake up do the dilaudid all day & last 1 when u go to sleep. Nxt day sucks a lil bit just cuz of cravings but the withdrawals are minimal compared to what you've prolly been through, gettn your energy back is just Tyme, but at least things will be a lil more bearable. I'm not a doctor & can't tell you it's safe to mix drugs but I have seen this method work on more than 1 friend

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  25. Excellent quality articles are here. This is good site with useful info.
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  26. Day 67. No methadone no nothing. No over the counter pills that don't work and no prescribed pills that will only tax my organs. The wd symptoms from 10yrs on 100mg of methadone will make you pray for what used to be called a "merciful death." For me this is something I do not deserve. So I stuck it out. Every symptom is gone but insomnia and the malaise that accompanies it. Time. Will. Crawl. 4 hrs of sleep a night can make you feel balanced upon a blade. But every day you take a little time back you wasted. For me personally, I accept this insomnia as an understandable and earned punishment: I have been sleepwalking through a great portion of my life. I deserve my punishment. - - You people stick to your boots. Quit. You can do it. You will not die from this but you may feel like you are. Stay with it. Quit quit quit. You will experience what feels like death. This is only so you can dig yourself up and get fk'n born!

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  27. My guy took 10/325 norco for 7 years after being in a car accident. He averaged 16 pills a day. (I hate the doctor that gave it to him, then prescribed oxy for breakthrough pain due to his job.) About 2 yrs ago he stopped the oxy cold turkey. WD seemed rough at the time, but was child's play compared to the WD symptoms he's going through after stopping norco. The most agonizing side effects seem to be lack of sleep, RLS, and lack of energy. He just finished up Day 14. I am reading everything I can get my eyes on, and I appreciate what I have found here. For all those who are on this journey - you are brave, and you are strong. I will pray for your continued recovery! L.

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  28. Once again can't sleep thankfully work isn't until 5pm tomorrow anyways I'm on day 4 of cold turkey after eventually wiening myself from a 200 a week dope habit to a 50 a week to 65mg methadone every other day then just quit everything one day. So yeah day 4 now restlessness progressively getting worse each night but haven't had the horrible stomach issues just a tolerable discomfort. Is the worst to come? Or is the light close at the end of the tunnel..just curious. Either way I'm committed to stopping this shit! Thanks if anyone responds

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    1. Oh and the addiction has been a year long process this month.. only sniffed dope for what it is proud to say i never used a needle once

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  29. Hey everyone!! I have been on Suboxone for about 2 yrs now, I was addicted to narcs. for over 5-6 yrs or so!! Me an my hubby r on them an we have gotten down to about 4 mg a day a piece, I was also usin gabapentin with the subs but been outta them for 4 days today!!! The weird thing is that even on the subs I still am nauseated an got sweats an chills??? But what im really wonderin about is if an when I finally drop to 2 mg a day which will be soon, how bad do YA'LL think the wd will be??? :( I'm a mom of 4 an have to admit drugs have absolutely caused me to have alotta regrets in my life!!!! :( Things I KNOW FOR A FACT I WOULD NEVER SAY OR D, an choices I have made, IF I WASN'T ON DRUGS!!!! :( But I'm determined NOW to kick it for good!!! I want my life back, an my hubby does too!!! :) I know we r gonna have some sufferin to do, after all, all those yrs of NOT CARIN OR WORRYING, AN TREATIN CLOSE FRIENDS LIKE CRAP, but ya don't really realize it till its to late, that's gonna come with some consequences!!! But I'm determined to pay that price, just to get this demon outta my life for good!!!!! Alotta ya'll on here r so very strong an strong willed, my will-power has never been that good, but to be honest with my hubby by my side, we strengthen each other!!!! I'm just gonna lean on God an pray all I can an I'M GONNA GET THROUGH THIS!!!! :) Thank ya'll for all the advice an for sharin ur experiences, ya'll r AWESOME ppl an I truly hope an pray WE ALL COME OUT ON TOP!!!! ;)

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  30. My story isn't near anyone else, but withdraws are all the same. Theyre horrible!!! I've been taking 40-60mgs of methadone a day for 8 months. I have always had a crazy high tolerance for meds. So I didn't really waste time taking other stuff that I knew wouldn't touch my pain... Anyhow I am on day 7 of having nothing for pain. I can feel every single pain in my body that the methadone covered. Each day does get so much easier and better. The aches and chills are pure hell, but nothing I can't handle. The sleeping part however, totally sucks ass. I get about 1 hour of broken sleep in a 24 hour period. I have 3 children so sleep has always been my best friend. Lol. Anyhow, I know were all different and we all have different pain levels,...this is probably one of the worse things I've ever put myself through. But, considering I did this to myself, I am going to see it through and get off this horrible shit. I deserve the pain, the lack of sleep, and the not eating. I can honestly say, I never felt the high from the meds, they only took away my pain. But I've realized, I can deal with the pain.. I can't deal with losing my life, my family, or even the person I really am. This person that I am right now, isn't me. I'm grouchy as shit, I've been very irritable, and I just want to snap at certain times. BUT every single day is getting better and easier!!! I'm going to keep praying and stay strong. And I will most definitely say a prayer for everyone else in situations similar. We are all strong enough to get over this!!!

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    1. I know it's been a while... but how are you now??

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  31. I am at 28 days since coming off hydromorphone and fentanyl (Why the doctor prescribed both is beyond me). All the symptoms are gone but the insomnia. I am getting between 3 and 1 1/2 hours of sleep a night. I feel like I am going crazy and hate nighttime worse than anything. I've tried every non-prescription remedy and am now willing to ask the doctor for Ambien. (I used it before, long ago) Didn't want to get here, but the lack of sleep is making me a pretty unpleasant person.

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    1. The lack of sleep is the worst part of it. Considering the aches and pains last around a week or two, the insomnia doesn't go away that fast. I have read being extremely active helps bring on sleep but for me that's been crap! Lol. It only makes me over tired and I toss and turn constantly and I still don't sleep. I did however find a good OTC sleep aid that has helped me. Its something like Sleepy Aid from the makers of Tylenol. I really didn't figure it'd help considering my tolerance, but its helping me get about 5-6 hours a night.... That is a great start, but Im used to at least 8-9 hours of solid sleep. Broken sleep sucks completely!! Anyhow, I hope you're able to find something that works with your body and you get some good sleep!!! And BTW very proud of you hitting 28 days!!!

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  32. I am three days in to withdrawal after being on Dilaudid for 8 months. The past month prior to this withdrawal I was at 64mg/day orally, and on Friday night I started a cold turkey withdrawal. All the physical symptoms are whatever - I can deal with the burning diarrhea and vomiting, the aches and pains, the feverish chills. I can even deal with no sleep, as I haven't slept a wink in three days. What I can't deal with is the God-forsaken RLS/RAS (terrible in my arms as well as legs) that prevents my body from getting into ANY comfortable position. Nothing works. Marijuana only made it worse. Same with diphenhydramine. If anyone has any solution to the RLS, please let me know.

    Cheers

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  33. One thing I don't think has been mentioned is the dehydration that comes along with opioid withdrawal. I have found if I force myself to drink a good amount of water despite the upset stomach it really helps with muscle aches and restless legs and arms(or muscle spasms). You got this, really, just cut your ties to your dope fiend dealer that's stealing your money, life, family, and friends that ACTUALLY Truthfully care about you. I know as an addict it's hard to see it like that but with time this to shall pass. Just stay strong because the only person that can save yourself from yourself is YOU.

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    1. You really speak the truth here and that is exactly what I am trying to keep in mind one my FIRST day of withdrawals. I feel crazy as hell right now. I'm sitting at work, in an office with my boos who is an ex cocaine addict and incredibly talkative :( I took 21 mgs of Imodium a couple of hours ago so maybe that's helping with my stomach, idk. I'm shaking like a leaf and my pupils look pretty damn crazy. I've tried getting off heroin once about a month ago and on the second night my legs went crazy!!!! It was the weirdest thing I have ever been through. I was addicted to pain pills about 3 years ago and went into treatment for 6 months and kicked it. STUPID me who said I would NEVER do heroin, tried it about 4 months ago and now I'm f*cked :( Anyway, thanks for your words of wisdom. How are you now??

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    2. I couldnt agree with what you said. I have been on ops 60 or 80 for about 2 years now. Been trying to stop. Its so hard you do good but then the night comes and you are up all but 30 minutes in a restless living hell. No idea what to do it seems like you cant beat the beast. Legs kicking like a bitch back constantly out. Ive never read so many peoples storys i could relate with.

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  34. I am soon to be coming off heroine, i was doing 3-4 grams a day some days, and im glad to say im down to about a gram a day now. I plan to stop tomorrow, when withdrawals hit, i will take 20mg of Methadone, wait for withdrawals again and take 12.5mg's of methadone, and wait yet again and for the last time ill take 7.5mg of methadone. Then its cold turkey. I have 6 Trazadones(100mg), and 4 Kolonopin(1mg). I just dont know when i should take these how much i should take, ext ext. Any help would be great.

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  35. Those forsaken restless arms and legs. By FAR the worst part of withdrawal. PLEASE give me a (non prescription) solution. Marijuana doesn't help in fact it made the restless legs and anxiety increase as another poster also said. Has anyone found a solution?

    Peace and love.

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  36. Immodium/loperamide is a cheap over the counter solution that will alleviate most withdrawal symptoms within an hour.All depends on your tolerance and dose.Bluelight has a Mega thread Google it

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  37. I have been taking percs everyday for a while now. My dad passed away in January and that was my way of coping. I got really bad, then went to rehab & started up when I got out. Biggest mistake of my life. I am currently not doing as many as I was.. But it is still enough to give me the with drawls. I have never wanted to quit so bad in my life. Today is my last day. I have done 3 P5 today.. I am trying to find a way to do it easy without withdrawls but I am realizing it is impossible. If anyone can give me any tips it would be greatly appreciated. I have some methadone to help ease the WD but I'm unsure whether it will help me sleep. The first night of WD I always get the restlessness. It is unbearable. I get aggravated and so angry I want to do whatever just to get some sleep. Please help with any advice or anything that will help me deal with this. I am a closet addict and have no one to talk to about this. Thank you

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  38. Day 4 and feel shit .no sleep blah blah blah.any one reading this on same date.i feel for you...lets just be strong and not go through this again heh.even though this is my 4th time think i would have learnt.trust me its the last.

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  39. I started with oxys and ended up where I was doing 7 80's a day.. Eventually I got together with my high-school sweetheart cheerleader captain I thought I was living the dream. She ended up using heroin intravenously for 9 years and we had been separated. I had a great job was making 16.25/hr and had my own house new car everything. I then got back with her because she was my true love. The one for me. I ended up using with her but only my oxy no dope. Eventually all we could afford was the heroin which she was banging another had hepatitis c. I was sick one day and while using my needle broke and I was screwed... I knowingly contracted hep c when she offered her rig and it was either that or be sick so of course I did it. No problem. Fell in love with shooting dope like her and we continued to go further downhill. Next thing you know she began trickin and sucking and fuckin any and every one with no regard at all no protection no pull out nothing.. Nasty bitch would come back to the car and makeout with me I said wtf bitch!?! She had one of the dudes cumm taste in her mouth.. Like seriously u couldn't get a mint or something ya know?! See, I loved this chick with all I had.. My whole heart. Only reason I let it get that far. So we would do that I would wait in car she'd come back with either dope or money and we would both use that rig to bang our heroin. God it was wonderful.. Honestly. But eventually she got arrested and went to prison. I was alone depressed and very dope sick. After awhile of doing some very dirty things to stay well I ended up at the methadone clinic. After 4 months my dose was 155 which it stayed for 2 years or little longer. I eventually got tired of hustlin up enough $ to just dose at mmt and quit. Cold turkey from my dose of 155mg a day. I'm on day 18 and I don't think I can do this.. I miss my bitch, wonder where she's at every minute every day. I'm depressed, have anxiety and dope sickness and no money nothing at all. Please tell me how I'm supposed to keep from going back out, my health can't take another half a decade shooting dirty dope and fuckin these trick hoes..pPlease veins are so used up I had to shoot in my neck last few years.. I have to keep up this abstinence but dunno how.... Thanks for the kind words in advance..

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    1. @ Jason, i feel you bro been there, im on day 15 without opiates after a 4 year oxy/dope habit. i was down to 5 bucks after losing my job that was paying me 800/week. i bought one suboxone broke it into 8 pieces. i took one piece at 6pm for 8 days and it allowed me to skip the rls and anxiety and also feel good enough to prepare for what has now been 15 days with nothing. Besides only getting 2 hours of sleep a night this is nothing compared to the countless other times i tried to kick. i feel stronger each day you can do this. I can tell by your honesty you really want it. this is not much to pay to have the rest of your life to live free from this slavery. Glory be to Christ, the one the only the almighty!!!!

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    2. How are you doing now? I hope you have found peace and blessings and sobriety of course! Please update your status! Nika70775@Gmail

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  40. I have used opiates for over 20 years now. I am finally several months clean from using methadone maintenance at 135 mg for 14 years and xanax for last few years. This is the toughest thing I have ever had to do in my life. My methadone detox was 5 mg per week until 5 mg. Sleeping was impossible for 2 weeks. Then slowly began to get better. 1 month mark I was getting 4 hours. Now getting better each day. The prescriptions of doxepin and trazadone really helped with sleep and depression. Plus they are non addictive. I now feel better than I have in a LONG time. Just stick to it! Things slowly get better, eventually to a point of pre addiction. I have taken my hellish experience and turned it into something positive. I am a much much stronger person now.

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  41. My name is Carol Anderson, and i want to thank Dr Ogbodu for the herbal HIV medicine he gave to me and my daughter, i was suffering from HIV when i gave birth to my daughter and that was how my daughter got the sickness indirect from me, but to God be the glory that i am healed with the herbal medicine that Dr Ogbodu gave to me when i contacted him. i want to use this medium to tell everyone that the solution to our sickness has come, so i will like you to contact this great healer on his email address:ogboduspellhome@gmail.com with him all your pains will be gone, i am really happy today that i and my daughter are cured of HIV, we are now HIV negative after the use of his herbal medicine, my doctor confirm it. Once more i say a big thank you Dr Ogbodu for healing me and my daughter, i say may God continue to bless you abundantly and give you more power to keep helping those that want your help in their lives. contact him now on his email: ogboduspellhome@gmail.com

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  42. Im going through withdrawl of herion what can I do naturaly to go through withdrawl gave arm and leg restless syndrome and cant sleep I cant go through this its makein me have axity attacks

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    1. Tell someone close to you so you don't have to go through it alone. My friend is on the same day... Still no sleep but the pains seem to be getting better. You can do this! Hang in there!

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  43. Hi, I'm on DAY 8 - Tramadol Free. Long term habit. Was easy to continue it until FDA changed the drug classification in August. I had to order from India or China. Last order (of I don't know what for sure) was seized in customs. I took that as a "sign" that I had to stop. Cold Turkey. Last week was BRUTAL but I finally able to do some work today. Still don't sleep well. I swig some Nyquil to catch a few hours of sleep. I found sleeping in the buff is much more comfortable. Keep layers of blankets with you because at times you're hot, and then very cold. So I keep pulling them on, then throwing them off. Also, water, Pepcid & Tylenol/Advil are good to keep on the nitestand. Still working at it but feeling better each day. Good luck to all.

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  44. Hello please help- I have gotten clean from Heroin few times in the past- But never with Suboxone in the mix- Suboxone seems too really make withdrawals last so much longer. I can't sleep and I have full custody of my kids- I feel like biggest loser my kids seeing me like THIS- usually there dad is always strong making jokes def life of the party- I am usually so active wit my kids but now I am SOO weak HAVENT slept. I am so disgusted dope has killed all my close FRIENDS- literally in last 3 years I lost 20-30 friends Some who used just few times good KIDS- dead. So I had too get clean. I am such a loser/idiot I had 12 days in no sub- after a taper I had 12 days with nothing. Well had bad day N met A bad old friend who really tried having me relapse. Well he was succussful- I did some dope wit him not 1 but 3 days in a row- since had 12 days no sub I really didn't wanna take a sub- well 2nd day I couldn't take the W/D's so I took 1/4 of a sub - which took always withdrawals but kept me up. Still haven't slept not 2 mins in past 2 days doubt IMA sleep tonight. Please need advice get thru THIS- I'm POSITIVE THIS LAST TIME DANCIN WIT THE DEVIL. IM JUST HOPING THAT 1 LIL PIECE OF SUB DOESN'T START WHOLE PROCESS OVER AGIAN. I ONLY HAVE DONE DOPE 3X IN PAST YEAR SO HOPING N PRAYING WITHDRAWALS WONT LAST LONG. PLEASE NEED ADVIVE N KIND WORDS HELP ME DO THIS. THANK U FOR THIS SITE

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    1. Hey buddy. I'm on day 18 of being clean from a 140 mg oxy habit for five years. There is little relief from wd symptoms other than time. I'm a dad with two kids and can relate to feeling like a loser. Everyday that goes by I feel more like a winner. Still getting two hours of sleep a day but I'm beating this shit. Had one day where I broke down n did a 7.5. On day 7 n i think it lightened it up for me instead of dropping off a cliff. I cried like a baby to my wife for failing but afterwards it felt like it took the edge off. That was a 7.5 once after a 140 mg oxy a day habit so not really a huge deal because it helped the drop off the cliff. It gets better everyday after the first week of touture. I'm kinda proud of myself for fighting each day and winning. Just that damn lack of sleep. Reply back. I have an imeadate family member who is a pharmacist and is open and understanding of the true affects of addiction, physically and mentality. Great luck bro, do it for your kids!!

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    2. how u feeling now? wondering when my sleepless nightmare will end? my habit was identical to yours. give me some hope

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  45. Kratom will get rid of restless leg syndrome and most other withdrawal symptoms. Do some research and give it a try--it has helped many people come off of opiates. Hang in there. It gets better and is so worth it!

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  46. Hi, I was curious as to a time line of when it gets easier? When is that hump crossed? I am fighting the physical and mental aspects of the addiction. I have been fighting cancer and was given all sorts of opiates for the pain. Weaning off now but it is hell, mentally, physically and emotionally. No one ever told us this would happen during treatment. I will try the natural remedies first but how long before some sleep and peace is achieved?

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    1. The best cure is time. Hang in there, it really does get better. I am 8 months clean from 10 years of methadone maintenance, and I feel GREAT! Ask you doc about doxepin. It is a non addictive, and very strong sleeping medicine. It also functions as a very strong SNRI antidepressant, which is used when weaker typical antidepressants fail to work. Good luck! You can do it!

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  47. entered treatment 10 days ago for 150-180 mg a day 3 year oxy habit. spent 3 days inpatient using decreasing doses of subutex each day and felt great , albeit tired, when i got home. Thats when the sleepless nightmare, restless leg disaster kicked in. the last 7 days I've slept a total of 4 hours . my doc has given me requip for the legs, clonadine, lorazapam and none of it has worked. I've also tried tylenol pm. I'm starting to feel helpless. how long will this last? help me

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    1. This your 1st time trying to cut? All I can tell you is when I cut pills, I did not sleep (other than an hour or 2 AFTER the first 2 weeks) but in all honesty, I would summerize you have a GOOD 3 weeks before you get any significant sleep..The rest goes away in approx 10 to 15 days..Nasousness is only the first 5 days or so.. I am SHOCKED the gave you subs for 3 days?? Thats usually around a 90 day to 6 month treatment, then taper down..The earliest I have ever heard was a quick 2 week taper program to get people through a heavy dope habit, but personally I think the pharmaceuticals are worse than any street drug.. I feel they have it engineered to screw you up and harder.

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  48. I've been strung out on tramadol for 5 years it ruined my first marriage and could kill my second which is only a month old. My new wife is wayyyy more understanding than my first. I'm on day 4 of being clean and its killing me. Dude ur so right about pharmecuicals haha I sux at spelling too. A byways its 2 am and I gotta be up at 6. I use to do coke and smoke dope all the time and quit like it was nothing I only started taking pills Cuz the other shit messed up my teeth. But when I took trams for the first time and seen how much I could do in one day it was unbelievable. Y do pill bottles always say my cause drowessness why not say my cause balls to the wall energy and ruin ur life when u realize u can't take them everyday for the rest of your life. I always hear about hitting rock bottom and ppl saying over doseing was the last straw I've oded 3 times and took so many one that I could piss for almost a whole day and that was 2 years ago. So wtf is my rock bottom. I no I cuse a lot but my only way of even kinda getting threw has been god. I'm telling you there's no better feeling than knowing at least god will always love you no matter how big of a junkie you are..thank you lord...but anyways I'm just rambling now idk I just want to sleep I took some bynedryl like 30 mins ago and I feel a little tired but not much.

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  49. I tapered SLOWLY off of oxycodone and zolpidem with the program called, Point of Return. I couldn't have done it by myself. They provide the nutrients that help prevent withdrawal symptoms and they're there for support if needed, every day by phone or email. This is the only safe way to get off prescription drugs. (No, I don't work for them, but I'm so grateful for their help!!)

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  50. Day 2 off heroin Cold/T , couldnt get any sleep at all last night :( this is like my fifth time going thru w/d. sorry for my bad english.

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  51. hey guys i wanted to know after how long will my heart beat become normal? :( i feeling very very bad on day 2 :( cant sleep , restless legs etc

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  52. Hey guys. I actually can say I like this page and the info from diff people. I'm on day 7 clean from sub. It's been a living hell, I'd say! The worst part is not sleeping and I've tried everything, it's starting to make me crazy. I've been thru wd's so many times and every time I say to myself why the f%$#@ did I start again. I felt 2 days of relief and sleep would be so nice, then long behold, I'm in the same spot as before. I cant do this anymore, and I've been strong and my husband who also is struggling has been my rock! We're keeping each other's mind on track! It's so hard tho. I've been taking anything I could get my hands on for years! Now I have a 17month old, and trying to keep up with her is a challenge, a daily challenge at that! The no sleep thing is making it more difficult, but everyday it gets better!! Not to mention the lack of energy I have. I was clean the whole time I was prego, and I feel such like a loser and a bad mom for getting back on them. I've been dealing with the struggle for 7years now. I'd get clean then...BAM! the temptation gets me. I've made the decision that, this is it! I cant keep putting me and most of all my family thru this. My little girl needs a sober mother, and it's not fair to her. We all gotta stay strong, and we can do this! I find talking about it kinda makes it better. My hubby and I have beat this before and will do it again! Good luck to everyone, the struggle is so hard!! any help with getting sleep would be awesome. everything we've tried has NOT helped, Unisom, etc..thanks

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  53. Well I was using sometimes 2 200mg morphine and 6 pure 30 perks everyday then I woke up and realized that there was more to this world then pills m th last two days of taking them I took 1 60 MG morphs for the two days thinking that would help but hell no cold sweats rls ugh will it ever stop jk I know I will but I'm on day 4 and baths feel good and do help but I do know 1 thing and seeing everyone on here and how there beating this cruel problem of freedom helps me and now I know I can set my life strait so thanks

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  54. Hello. I have been using opiates for ten years I guess.... oxy, then h, and now methadone. Because I smoke pot, my clinic won't let me choose my own time line for tapering, so I have dropped myself down from 100mgs, to 27 mgs in a month or 2. I am on day 4 at 27. My plan WAS to stay here til the 27th and then go to a suboxone doc. However, I don't want to start something ELSE!!! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME. Please throw some hopefully positive info my way. I feel so strong, the last thing I would do now is use again. Last night I didn't sleep though.. I know it's coming. Has anyone survived this same situation???

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  55. My gf and I have been together for going on five years now, and have always played with opiates ex. opanna, oxy, morphine. We started IV'ing heroin last July and our lives have fallen apart. We have both stopped several times only to go back after a few days. I have been in full W/D several times and every time I tell myself that this time will be the last. Right now I am coming off of a half gram($100) a day high quality heroin habit. I am on day three and I am IV'ing subs to make it through the day and to get a little rest at night if I am lucky. Please take my advice I am very experienced for a 25 y/o and I am telling you NEVER DO HEROIN. I dont think my life will ever be the same I have lost a life time of materials and friends in just 1 year. I hope I make it through this and stay clean but I love the way dope makes me feel I dont think Ill ever be normal again. Remember this I have been in w/d several times, benzos, neurotin, and subs are the only true thing that helps. I read a previous comment about hot baths and masturbation for RLS, it does work but not long lasting relief. Good luck to all going through this hell and wish me luck for my journey. I am sure to need it! Bless all of you trying to over come this! Also stay away from your triggers that make you want to use. Delete dealers number(junkies know numbers by heart lol) Again, good luck all, I'm out.

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  56. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  57. Great experience in sleep during opiate. for sleeping problems try these Earplugs for Sleeping

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  58. Good information. Had bupivacaine plus morphine in a pain pump for severe chronic GI pain. Morphine turned me into Dr. Hyde, caused major mental issues so I told my pain doc to remove it from the pump. He removed it in three stages, last stage was Tuesday 12/27/16, Doc said I would only experience mild withdrawal if any. Boy was he wrong, by Friday I was in hell, never been so sick in my life. Prior to the pain pump I was given Neurotin for pain, didn't help so they implanted the pump and I stopped taking the Neurontin. When I was researching ways to deal with the WD I saw some recommended Neurontin, since I still had some I tried one 300mg cap, I went from feeling like I going to die any minute now, to I've got a bad case of the flu. What a difference. May or may not help with your symptoms, but it def did for mine. Research it and ask your doc. Unfortunately doesn't help with the inability to sleep which is why I'm typing this comment at 3:00 am, lol. Opiates are the devil's invention. NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  59. i kicked a 150 mg of methadone a day habit cold turkey. it was hell, im sure you all know. 4 months of withdrawl and very little sleep. at the start of the fifth month i broke down and got some muscle relaxers and 1 ativan, slept the night through and felt no lingering effects from the pills. after that whole nights sleep the whole world was brighter. it sucks but you have to put in the pain, but if you can hang in there its worth it, to this day i sleep poorly, but i do sleep, still better than relying on methadone or heroin to see me through the day.

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  60. both hands on your hips with your thumbs at the front and fingers facing each other on either side of the spine. Improves blood flow

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  61. Here was my remedy from someone who has been battling with hydrocodone addiction for years.
    When that terrible tightness happens in your muscles and you just want to pull your hair out....get up and lift weights. I used hand weights, and did many positions repeatedly until my arms felt like they were going to fall off. That heat you experience is like the same feeling you get when you take a pill...you can do squats to help the RLS...this was the best thing for my body symptoms. The mind was a different challenge.....

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  62. Get off this site!...you don't need to push your stuff to people who are trying to seek helpful advice

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  63. Kratom helped me I did it for about a month i needed about 14 oz to do it. Took away all physical symptoms except sleep. Hot baths with Epsom salts help I try to relax n close my eyes immediately after getting out to the point I don't even dry off. And I think baths help sweat out the bad stuff in your body, I don't think that's an old wives tale. Gotta eat good, it's easier said than done with no appetite and I need to get better at that. don't really have RLS but do toss n turn every five or ten minutes. I am going to get a few klonopin for the bad nights I do not want to use it nightly. If I knew then what I know now.... man oh man.... never would have taken those two pills 8 years ago....

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  67. If your liver isn't working well, how long does heroin stay in your system if you inject it ? I came to know that it stays in your system for a less ammount of time than if you were to snort it. True? ""How long does heroin stay in your system ?"

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  68. Now bare with me and dont laugh. This is great for couples.ok! Long extended sessions of sex! No im not joking.
    Sex releases the same endorphins as pain meds. Usually withdraw increases sexual desire even if you may not feel like you csn perform up to your standards. Have fun with it and make it last as long as possible. Role play and lots of forplay. Use it all day make up games with your partner. Its fun it realeases endorphins and you will have a window of relaxation afterwords to fall asleep. Be open minded! Ask your partner about fantasies and talk about them. Plan games around them. Extend your session as long as possible to release as much endorphines as possible. Its not a miracle cure but i promise you wont be suffering withdrawl while you focused on sex. Lay in bed and watch a xxx movie. Hopefully you have a partner that will participate. This sounds odd but works. Let the woman set the story/fantasy and give her reign free of judgments. You play the role for her all day. Pull out her deepest desires and you need to push the limits. Do this all day and let it run into the night. Bring it to a climax before bedtime. No pun intended. Then go to sleep afterwords. Like i said its not a miracle cure but i promise when you and your partner are aroused by sex withdraw will go away for a limited time.
    Have her dress sexy and take her to dinner. Meet her for lunch for more forplay. This new exciting sex life could continue after the withdraw is gone. Tip: Try somthing you have always wanted but was not sure how she/he would react. If it dont go over to good just apolgize and blame it on your state of arousal from withdraw.
    You may find out things your partner enjoys but was just scared to tell you.

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  69. Detoxing from codeine cough syrup abuse of about 12 years. To avoid rls, I went the so-called Thomas Recepie way. On the first night I popped 4mg lorazepam. I did sleep without rls. The second night, I popped 4 mg lorazepam and 1.5 mg alprazolam, no rls, was barely able to walk but couldn't​ sleep the whole night. Since then, I am battling the constant lack of sleep. I had to be given pentazocine injections (which itself is an opiate) to induce sleep at least 6 times during a period of 25 days. I think I shouldn't have walk the Thomas Recepie way. I should have faced the rls in the beginning just to be able to sleep well after a few days. I m saying this on the basis of experience​s of those few days when I just could not get the syrups (due to being away from my city where such syrups are easily available to another city where it was not), experienced rls in the night, but was able to sleep 4-5 hours just to awake refreshed the next morning. About just 1 year, when I was away from my city for about 1 week, I returned back clean with no withdrawal symptoms at all and was able to sleep well too.But since I had no intention at that time to detox, I started taking the syrups again. Now, after 1 year when I want to get my life back, I am facing severe insomnia which is driving me crazy. I am being treated with anti-anxiety pills (trazodone 100 mg) with the combination of benzos (lorazepam 2mg) for insomnia. My doctor has just reduced the lorazepam from 2 mg to 1 mg. But I am not able to sleep with the reduced dosage. I think I have done more damage with going the Thomas Recepie way. My experience points (probably) to the fact that quitting opioids the cold turkey way is the best method to go clean.

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  70. Pls don't believe them. You may be cheated.

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  71. If you drink alcohol faster than your body metabolizes it, the excess alcohol moves through your bloodstream to other parts of your body, particularly your brain. If you've ever gotten a "buzz" when drinking alcohol, that's why. Sobering up takes a long time. There is no way to
    speed up the rate your body gets rid of alcohol. While small amounts of alcohol leave your body in your urine, sweat and breath, ... She stayed the night at a friend's house.Can Urine Alcohol Tests Detect Drinking?
    how long does alcohol stay in urine

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  72. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  73. Thanks for your comment! It is a common misconception that meth is acerbic. Methamphetamine is, in fact, a base, which means it would explode if it came into contact with an acerbic substance. As for the gnashing, though, that sounds about right. Thanks again for your comment!
    How long does codeine stay in your system
    How long does dilaudid stay in your system

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