The Ultimate Surival Kite For Opiate Withdrawal

Introduction

Hi Guys, hope all is well on the other side of the computer screen. I welcome both new and returning visitors to my blog about opiate addiction. For this post,  I would like to provide you guys with a list of items that can help provide some relief for those experiencing opiate withdrawal. As most of you already know, opiate withdrawal can be a true pain in the ass and is for many, one of the hardest and most difficult times of one's life. I call this list the ultimate survival kit for opiate withdrawal and hope that it can help you guys during such a challenging time.

For this list, I will provide you guys with a list of over the counter medications, prescription medications, coping techniques, and other tips or activities that can help make withdrawal a little more bearable. With the exception of Loperamide, a relatively weak opioid, I will be excluding any opiates or opioids from my list as well as any drugs that can be used for opiate replacement therapy (ex. Suboxone or Methadone). In other words, the items on this list are things that will not simply mask or prolong opiate withdrawal but rather help provide relief for withdrawal without the aid of opiates through other means.

What Are Opiate Withdrawals and Why Do We Get Them?

 

Opiate withdrawal occurs when a person continues to use an opiate(s) over a prolonged period of time and than suddenly stops taking the opiate(s). The amount of time it takes for one to become addicted to or dependent upon an opiate varies from person to person and also depends on a variety of factors such as the amount of the drug taken, the length of time the drug is taken, the kind of drug being taken, along with other factors. These factors can also determine the severity of the withdrawals as well. Some people may become addicted to a drug after a few weeks of continued use while for others, it may take longer to develop a dependency or addiction. The general rule of thumb for most opiates is that anything over 2 weeks of continued use greatly increases the risk of developing a dependency or addiction to the drug. Everyone experiences their own set of withdrawal symptoms with some feeling worse than others. Misusing, taking more than prescribed, and abusing opiates in comparison to taking them as prescribed by a doctor under their supervision can also increase the chances of becoming addicted or dependent upon the opiate. 

 

It is also important to note the difference between being physically addicted to something and physiologically addicted to something. Being addicted physically means you will actually feel a variety of symptoms if you stop taking the drug after continued use. These symptoms include things such as aches, chills, cold sweats, restless legs, and such. The physiological aspects deals with the cravings and urges to use the drug you may begin to develop after continued use of the drug. While it may take several weeks to become physically addicted to something, becoming addicted to something physiologically may happen much quicker. Again this varies from person to person along with other factors so there really isn't a definite answer as to how much of or how long we must take something to become addicted to it.

 

Some common symptoms of opiate withdrawal include any of the following:

 

• Stomach Aches/Pains
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness
• Restless Legs/Limbs
• Cold Chills/Goosebumps
• Cold Sweats
• Joint and Muscle Aches/Pains
• Runny Nose
• Watery Eyes
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Frequent Yawning
• Agitation
• Lack of Appetite
• Tremors
• Flu-Like Symptoms

As you can see and may already know from experience, opiate withdrawal can be one hell of a time. Most people who experience opiate withdrawal will experience several of these symptoms while their bodies withdraw, detox, adjust, and heal from the continued use of a opiate(s). The length of time one experiences these symptoms also varies depending upon the drug, person, and other factors. Some drugs like Oxycodone and heroin usually result in about 7-10 days of physical withdrawal symptoms. Others like Suboxone and Methadone result in physical withdrawal symptoms lasting between 10-30 days, sometimes longer (especially in the case of Methadone withdrawal). These physical withdrawal symptoms are usually accompanied with and/or followed by physiological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, boredom, and dysphoria. A common term used to describe these physiological symptoms is the term PAWS, which stands for Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms. PAWS can often be the most difficult part of opiate withdrawal and recovery as these symptoms can last several months or even years in some extreme cases. This is where the saying "Getting clean is easy. Staying clean is the hard part."

 

The body withdraws from opiates after continued use due to the fact that the brain and body eventually begins looking for and craving the drug. When we put opiates in our bodies, the reward system in our brains receive and send positive signals throughout the body. I have used this example before so please excuse me if you have already heard it before in my blog. Take for example, a dog owner trying to train his dog how to sit on command. The owner will command the dog to sit and will reward the animal with praise, encouragement, or treats each time it successfully sits on command. The dog eventually learns that each time it sits on command, it will be rewarded with something positive such as a treat or words of praise. This is the reward system in the dog's brain working, which we as humans have as well. Well, when we put opiates in our bodies, our brains over time begin to see these drugs as something that will lead to a positive reward. This results in the brain releasing endorphins, which are neurotransmitters in our bodies that lead to feelings of wellness, happiness, success, and the like. To make matters worse, opiates have a very powerful effect and impact on the human brain and its reward system, which can eventually result in the brain depending upon opiates to create and provide the body with endorphins instead of creating them naturally. Rather than creating natural endorphins through say, running or exercising (a "runner's high"), our brain sees opiates as a more powerful and easier means of creating endorphins, albeit unnatural ones.

 

When we use opiates for a long period of time and become dependent upon or addicted to them, our brain then struggles to know how to make its own endorphins naturally without the presence of opiates. Our minds and bodies now depend on the opiates to create endorphins that lead to a sense of wellbeing, enjoyment, happiness, and a feeling of being content and satisfied. Once we stop taking the opiates, our brains become confused as to why it is no longer being rewarding and struggles to remember how to make endorphins naturally, leading the mind and body to go into a state of confusion. Our bodies then react negatively ultimately resulting in opiate withdrawal. Learning how to once again create endorphins naturally is often one of the hardest parts of recovering from opiate addiction, which is why it is not uncommon for former addicts to feel depressed, tired, or anxious for a period of time after they stop taking opiates. This is where the saying "It gets better over time" comes into play and why many in the addiction community recommend finding new hobbies, exercising, and talking with people such as family, friends, counselors, doctors, psychologists, therapists, and other addicts in recovery.  

I have previously written a few posts that discuss these matters in a little more detail that some may find to be beneficial to read in addition to this article. For those who are interested in reading these posts, feel free to click on any of the links below to check them out.

Addiction and Our Bodies

Why We Got Addicted To Opiates

The Power of AA/NA Meetings

The Dreaded Withdrawals
 

The List

 

I have developed and created this list through my own personal experiences, talking with other opiate addicts along with my addiction counselor and doctor, and through researching the matter and talking with others about it online. There are a lot of helpful websites out there filled with hundreds of other opiate addicts and specialists helping one another. Try doing a quick Google search with a topic your interested in and you'll be surprised by how many results that will come up and how many others are in the same boat as yourself. Some of the items on this list actually come from the Thomas Recipe, which is list of items and tips that can help provide relief during opiate withdrawal. The link to the Thomas Recipe can be found by clicking Here.

 

 

Over the Counter (OTC) and Easily Accessible Products:

 



Benadryl, Unisom, Sominex, Tylenol PM (Diphenhydramine): Benadryl or any other OTC product containing Diphenhydramine can be helpful during opiate withdrawal as it can provide relief for a runny nose, teary eyes, and for some, sleep. Diphenhydramine is known for having a sedative effect which is why it can help some with sleep. However, beware that Diphenhydramine can cause restlessness in some people (myself included) possibly resulting in you tossing and turning all night from restless legs and an overall sense of restlessness rather than being able to fall asleep. I personally prefer Tylenol PM as it has a sedative effect and can also help with the sore joints and muscle aches. Be careful not to overdo it and take too much of any of these brands as too much can lead to restlessness, hallucinations, and even death.

 

Dramamine, Driminate, Gravol, Gravamin (Dimenhydrinate): Dramamine is a medication I prefer to use during opiate withdrawal as it helps with a few things. First, the Dimenhydrinate in Dramamine has a sedative effect similar to Diphenhydramine which can help with insomnia that so often accompanies opiate withdrawal. However beware that like Diphenhydramine, Dimenhydrinate can also cause a sense of restlessness for some and in larger doses can lead to hallucinations, illness, or death. This drug also helps with stomach cramps/pains and nausea although it provides little relief for diarrhea.

Dramamine Tablets

 

Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Aleve (Naproxen), Advil (Ibuprofen): These medications are useful for providing relief with the body and muscle aches/pains that are often present during opiate withdrawal. Some of these brand name medications can also reduce fevers that can sometimes occur during opiate withdrawal. Every person reacts differently to these drugs and have their own opinions/favorite so there really isn't a universal one to chose from this group. I have actually found Advil and Tylenol to be quite helpful with the muscle and body aches/pains during opiate withdrawal. Again use caution with dosing as too much can lead to organ damage or death and be sure to use only one of these products rather than a combination of them.

 

Imodium, Lopex, Fortasec, Lopedium, Pepto Diarrhea Control  (Loperamide): These medications will help with diarrhea and stomach cramping/pains. I have no experience with any of these medications but it appears Imodium is a favorite among opiate addicts as I have heard from others and read this numerous times. Loperamide is actually an opioid drug and some claim that when taken in higher doses, it can help with some of the other symptoms of opiate withdrawals due to it being an opioid. Please be cautious with this medication like any other and talk it over with your doctor as it can be just as dangerous as the others when taken in high enough doses. Because Loperamide is an opioid, there is also a risk for dependency and the drug can cause minor withdrawal symptoms when discontinued after being taken regularly for a period of time so please keep this in mind and to try to use this medication only when needed. It seems that this is a great medication to use during opiate withdrawal if used cautiously and correctly as it has garnered much praise and recommendation from other addicts and members of the addiction community.  

 

Imodium (Loperamide) Tablets

 

L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine is amino acid that is said to help provide relief for stress and for helping with mood swings during opiate withdrawal. I have no experience with this drug but it is commonly recommended by addicts with many saying it helps with mood and energy. This drug can be found at most pharmacies, food stores, and vitamin/supplement stores.

 

Vitamin B6: This vitamin is said to help with mood, fatigue, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Once again, I have no experience with this vitamin but it is often recommended by other addicts or members of the addiction community for providing relief during opiate withdrawal.

 

Multivitamin: A multivitamin is important to take during opiate withdrawal for several reasons. The first reason being that most of us have little to no appetite during withdrawal so it is important we find some way to get our needed vitamins and nutrition. A multivitamin is something good to take not only during withdrawal but on an everyday basis before, during, and after withdrawal as well. In addition to providing nutritional value, some vitamins and minerals are said to help with a variety of symptoms during opiate withdrawal so it certainly can't hurt to take. It is important to remember that with vitamins and minerals, taking more does not result in better results as once the required amount is ingested by the body, the extra or leftover vitamins and minerals are simply passed through the body. In my experience, I have noticed virtually no difference from taking a multivitamin during withdrawal but I was also taking one daily before and after my experiences with withdrawal. I believe the benefits of taking a multivitamin can be difficult to physically see and determine despite doing the multivitamin doing its job. I prefer using the Men's One A Day multivitamin chewable tablets.

 

Valerian Root: Valerian Root is a herbal medicine that can be found at most pharmacies and vitamin/supplement stores. This herb can be found in capsules that can be taken orally or as powder-like substance that can be made into a tea. It is said to help with anxiety, restlessness and sleep as it has a sedative and calming effect on some. I have taken Valerian root capsules before and can say it did help a little bit but was nothing too dramatic or extreme. Everyone is different though so it might do wonders for some and absolutely nothing for others. These capsules can run on the expensive side as well and people with heart problems should use caution when taking Valerian Root. I decided to include this herbal medicine on my list as it is something that often comes up on several similar lists for dealing with opiate withdrawal but in my opinion, it is probably something you could get away with not taking.

Valerian Root Extract Capsules 

 

Supplemental Drinks such as Ensure: These drinks often provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, fats, carbs, and calories that we usually struggle to obtain during opiate withdrawal. It is not uncommon for someone to lose some weight during opiate withdrawal so it is important we make sure we are getting good nutrition during this difficult time. Plus, providing your body with the right nutrients will only help with the recovery process as withdrawal can certainly take its toll on the mind and body. Your body will most likely feel weak and tired at times during withdrawal so it is important you are eating and drinking the right things during this time. The combination of a lack of appetite, ability to keep foods down, and possible bouts of  diarrhea can lead to weakness and dehydration.

Ensure Supplemental Drink

 

Melatonin: Melatonin is a naturally occurring compound in our bodies that help regulate sleep. It is hormone that regulates our sleep schedule and cycle. This compound also comes in the form of a supplement that is taken a few hours before bedtime each night. It is important to note that this supplement takes time to work and build up in the body (usually a couple of weeks) so it is important you begin taking it before you start your detox if you do decide to use a Melatonin supplement. I have tried Melatonin before and it did little to help with achieving sleep but there are many people, including my own family and friends, who swear by it. Melatonin is a relatively safe and cost effective supplement which is an added plus.

 

Melatonin Capsules

 

Kava/Kava-Kava: Kava, sometimes called Kava-Kava, is a plant that is said to have a sedative and calming effect that can help with anxiety. There are a lot of herbal supplements and such that are said to provide relief for insomnia and anxiety with varying degrees of success and effectiveness so keep in mind that what works for one person might not work for another. I have no experience with Kava myself.

 

St. Johns Wort: St. Johns Wort is a herbal medicine that is said to be helpful in treating insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, and depression. I have no experience with this herbal medicine but have seen it mentioned several times on online forums regarding medications or products that provide relief for opiate withdrawal. You'll most likely have to experiment a little bit with herbal medicines such as St. Johns Wort, Kava, and Valerian Root before you find one that works for you. It might be a good idea to give these herbal remedies a try before you actually go head to head with opiate withdrawal to see what works and what doesn't work. Be sure to talk with your doctor before trying any of these herbal medicines and make sure to not mix them with one another or other drugs without your doctor's approval. Remember, just because they are natural remedies doesn't necessary mean they are any safer or more effective than other medications.

St. John's Wort Extract Capsules

 

Hylands Restful Legs: Hylands Restful Legs is an over the counter medication that is said to provide relief for restless legs, tingling feelings in the legs, and minor aches/pains in the legs. It comes in two different forms of a pill; one that can be taken orally and another that is taken sublingually (dissolved under the tongue). I have tried this medication myself and found it to be ineffective but there are numerous positive reviews about the product online. So many in fact, that I was shocked by how ineffective it was for me. Like I always say, to each his own.

Hylands Restful Legs Sublingual Tablets

 

Potassium and Zinc Supplements: Potassium is a chemical element while Zinc is mineral. Both of these are said to help with restless legs, which for many is one of the worst symptoms imaginable of opiate withdrawal. I have used a Potassium supplement before and found it to be only moderately effective. Restless legs can sometimes be caused, among other things, by neurological damage or low potassium, zinc, or iron levels so if you are someone who regularly experiences bouts of restless legs regardless of whether you are in withdrawal or not, a visit to your doctor and a blood test at the lab might prove beneficial in determining the cause of the restless legs.

 

Caffeine/Energy Supplement: I have found that having a cup of coffee in the morning helps warm me up a little bit from the chills while providing me with a little jolt of energy to make it out of bed. Getting out of bed in the morning during opiate withdrawal can sadly be a painstakingly and difficult task so doing something simple yet motivating like making a cup of coffee and watching the news, surfing the web, or reading the newspaper can make getting up and out of bed a little easier. I wouldn't recommend drinking or ingesting any caffeine or energy drinks/supplements past noon and to try to take as little as possible as it may affect your sleep and lead to restlessness. Decaffeinated tea might be a good choice to drink throughout the day and night to help provide one with sense of warmth and something that is easy to get down.

 

Prescription Medications:

 

Clonidine: Clonidine is a medication that is used to treat high blood pressure but has also found its niche in the addiction community. This medication is used to help treat not only the high blood pressure that can appear during opiate withdrawal but also with other symptoms such as cold sweats, chills, anxiety, restlessness, and sleep. This medication can have a sedative effect so be careful driving on, working on, or taking it during the daytime. I have used this medication (.2 mg at night) and have found it to help with sleep, anxiety, and restlessness. It isn't a miracle drug but it does help in my opinion and there is a reason that it is often the first line of defense for a medication during detoxes and rehabs. It is usually pretty easy to obtain a prescription for Clonidine if you are honest with your doctor about your addiction or if you go to an ER explaining to them you are in opiate withdrawal. Clonidine should be tapered off of as it can lead to rebound hypertension (high blood pressure) when stopped suddenly after continued use. It is important that whomever is prescribing you this medication is aware of any health issues you may have, especially those concerning the heart.

 

Requip, Ropark, Adartrel (Ropinirole): Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist medication that was originally used to treat Parkinson's Disease. More recently, it has been used to treat Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and has been met with mostly positive reviews. I am currently using this medication for treatment of RLS and have experienced only moderate success. In my experience, it defiantly helps if you have RLS regardless of your addiction to opiates but when your going through RLS as a result of opiate withdrawal, it seems to only provide moderate relief. Experiencing restless legs is for many one of the most dreaded and uncomfortable symptoms of opiate withdrawal so having a prescription to Ropinirole isn't a bad idea.  

 

Man, I love Restless Legs...

 

Valium (Diazepam), Xanax (Alprazolam), Ativan (Lorazepam), Klonopin (Clonazepam): These drugs are all classified as Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are used to help provide relief from insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and muscle spasms/cramping. Benzodiazepines can be extremely helpful during opiate withdrawal but there are also several risks one must be aware of and consider before taking any of these medications. These medications can be dangerous if abused or used with any other medications/drugs that can result in illness or even death, so please be careful and talk with your doctor about your plan and any other medications, supplements, vitamins, or drugs you are using. Benzodiazepines can also be habit forming so it is important to plan on taking these medications for only a short period with the possibility of having to taper off them. Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines is said to be even worse and more dangerous than withdrawal from opiates so again, use caution. I  have no experience with Benzodiazepines but have talked with several addicts as well as reading online that Benzodiazepines can really make withdrawal more bearable especially with the anxiety and sleep issues. At the end of the day, remember these are a pretty powerful classification of drugs so it is critical you speak often and honestly with your doctor if you plan on using any kind of Benzodiazepine. Your best bet is probably to try to avoid these medications if possible but I know that is easier said than done when you have been up for 48 hours straight, freezing and sweating at the same time, and have been unable to sit, lay, or stand in a comfortable position for more than 30 seconds.

 

Trazodone: Trazodone is an antidepressant that can be helpful in providing relief for depression, anxiety, and insomnia from opiate withdrawal. This medication is usually safer in comparison to a Benzodiazepine as it is less habit forming and has less negative side effects. It is however weaker than most Benzodiazepines so don't expect to have anywhere near the same results. However, I currently take Trazodone and must say it does help with getting to sleep although I have never taken it during opiate withdrawal, instead taking it as needed for sleep during my time on Suboxone.

 

Ambien (Zolpidem): Ambien is a medication that is used to help treat insomnia. I have some experience with this medication and have found it to be effective in getting one to fall asleep, more so than Trazodone. While taking Ambien for a prolonged period of time won't lead to the same withdrawal symptoms one would normally feel from an opiate or Benzodiazepine, it does still carry the risk of dependency as some users have stated they experience anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty in falling or staying asleep after discontinuing Ambien suddenly, thus a taper may be necessary to come off this medication. Some people experience hallucinations, vivid dreams or nightmares, and sleepwalking on Ambien so it is important that you, if possible, have someone with you during your first couple of nights on this medication in addition to speaking with your doctor about the risks and benefits of Ambien.

 

Other Tips/Tools:

 

Hot Baths/Jacuzzi/Hot Tub

Reading Material

Movies or Video Games

Computer/Laptop with Internet

Heated Blanket

Comfy Bed or Couch

Comfy, Loose Clothing

Fan or Air Conditioner

Music

Time Off From School, Work, or Other Duties/Responsibilities If Possible

Strong Support Network of Doctors, Counselors, Friends, and Family

Go For Short Walks or Jogs
Exercise Lightly Whenever Possible

Drink Plenty of Fluids and Eat as Healthy as Possible

 

Conclusion

 

Alright Guys, that's everything I could think of for my list of things that can make opiate withdrawal a little more bearable. One thing that I cannot stress enough is to please talk openly and honestly with your doctor and support network before using or combing any of these medications (even the OTC ones). Some of these medications can have negative consequences when mixed with one another or with drugs. The Benzodiazepines can especially be habit forming or addicting so please use caution with these as you don't want to switch one addiction for another. Ask yourself if you think you can take a medication such as a Benzodiazepine responsibly for a short period of time without becoming addicted to it or abusing it. Benzodiazepines can be extremely dangerous to mix with other drugs, especially opiates so again, please, please, please talk all this over with your doctor. Better to be safe than sorry!

 

I also want to note that I am not encouraging you guys to use all these drugs. Some of these medications accomplish and provide relief for the same symptoms so you DO NOT need to use them all. I wanted to give you guys a few options as I know some medications work better than others for some people or that some may have allergies or bad reactions to certain medications. Once again, talk with your doctor(s) and support network in addition to doing your own research before putting any of these medications into your body.

 

 

At the end of the day, I think withdrawal for most will still suck to some degree with or without these medications. They may, however, be able to provide some relief or minimize some withdrawals. Just don't go into it expecting everything will be fine and dandy because this period of our lives will most likely be one of the most difficult. I'm not trying to scare anyone, I just want to be real with you guys. Some people feel worse during withdrawal than others while some feel as if they just have a nagging cold. If your like me, withdrawal feels like Hell on Earth. Its the price we must pay in the end for abusing these opiates to get high I guess. May god have mercy on us!

 

Based on what I have read and heard, a lot of people seem to say that it is important to remain active and busy during withdrawal. Now, I'm not suggesting you go out and work a 40 hour week or run a marathon. Rather, I'm saying you should do things such as going for walks/jogs, seeing a movie, doing some easy yard or house work, spending a day at the beach, and things like that. In other words, don't just sit in bed all day thinking about how bad you currently feel. It may seem like the easiest thing to do but in reality, it probably just makes things worse as all you will think about is how bad you feel and how easy it would be to use again to feel "normal". I would defiantly recommend taking some time off from work or school if possible as I think it will be really difficult to concentrate and have the energy during this difficult time but everyone is different. Some people may find school or work keeps them busy and their minds off withdrawal so you guys know your bodies and yourselves better than me.

 

How most of us feel during opiate withdrawal

 

As I mentioned in my previous posts, I will soon be coming face to face with Suboxone withdrawal in the near future. I am currently taking .75 mg a day and know I will one day have to experience life without Suboxone or any opiate for that matter. To be honest with you guys, it is something I am truly scared of. I absolutely hate and fear withdrawals! But that's just part of life and something I have to deal with and accept. I have experienced withdrawal several times going cold turkey from Oxycodone and know it isn't fun. Hopefully, the combination of some of these medications, the skills and coping mechanisms I have learned over the past year, and the help of my support network will be enough for me to reach my goal of sobriety and life without pills.

 

I would like to thank you guys for reading my post and I hope this list is helpful to some of you guys. If any of you guys have any questions, comments, or suggestions please feel free to put them in the comment section. I always enjoy and appreciate the advice of other opiate addicts.

 

Take Care Guys and remember to keep seeing that light.

 

-Seeingthelight

  

Addiction and Our Bodies

Introduction

Hello, bonjour, hallo, buon giorno, hola, tja! Well if you're not someone who can speak five or more languages, I'll tell you what I just said was hello (you probably could have figured that one out just by the first word of this post but I like to keep things fresh.) I started this post like that because it has something to do with our discussion today. Similar to how in every part of the world, there is a way to greet someone and say hello, there are people throughout the world of different nationalities who experience addiction in different ways. However, no matter the drug, the person, the place, or the situation, at the end of the day we are all fighting one thing; addiction. Addiction doesn't discriminate nor does it has its favorites. Anyone can become addicted to something at some point or another. Some of us might be addicted to something for a short period of time before being able to straighten out while others are stuck addicted to something till the day they leave this earth. It sucks, is sad, and unfortunate but it's the way things are. Man, did this post turn gloomy quick.

The topic of this post is how addiction effects us and how certain factors can also play an impact towards one developing an addiction to something. Wait a minute, didn't I just say that addiction doesn't discriminate? Well, I did and I wasn't lying when I said that either. Anyone can develop an addiction to something from the richest to the poorest, the most mentally stable to the least, the nicest to the meanest, the smartest to the dumbest, and..., well you get my point. Addiction doesn't discriminate. However, there are other factors that DO come into play in whether someone does or does not develop an addiction. Think of it like the lottery. Anyone can win the lottery as long as they purchase at least one ticket. But someone who purchases more tickets than someone else has a greater chance of winning the lottery (although still an extremely slim chance). Well, anyone can develop an addiction but some appear to be at greater risk (higher chance) of developing one than others. Some people can be try a drug once and never even think of using it again. Others can be what many call weekend warriors, people who get high only on weekends. Others try something once and soon begin to develop an addiction rather quickly. Like I always stress to you guys, everyone is different.

There are numerous reasons that scientists, doctors, consulars, and the like have created and thought of in trying to think of why people become addicted to something and why others don't. I have neither the time nor the knowledge to get into all of them so I'm only going to get into a few of them for this post. The ones I'm going to get into are some of the more popular theories and ones that I think seem most realistic. They are genetics, our personal history, our upbringings and the environment(s) we grew up and live in, and our health. So on that note, lets begin guys.

 Genetics

The theory that people can become addicted to something with the influence of genetics has been around for quite some time now and is one that is really debated among those in the addiction community. I don't want to get into arguments or major debates here so I won't really go deep into my beliefs behind the topic other than I am one of the people who believes that genetics can play a role but that there are certainly a lot of other things that do as well, some more than others. Basically the theory behind this is that if you have family or ancestors who were addicted to something, you are more likely to develop an addiction to something at some point of your life. Now this isn't saying that anyone with a family history of addiction will become addicted to something, as many don't, but that there is a chance that one most certainly could become addicted. Then again, there are people, like myself, who have little to no addiction in their family and who grew up with a very good upbringing that become addicted to something. I had a great childhood, came from a relatively wealthy family, finished high school and college, got a job, had good friends, never got in trouble yet still messed up and became addicted (in my case, to Oxycodone).

There has been studies on identical twins from the day in which they were born till the day they die in which doctors studied the effects of addiction on them. The twins were given no special treatment or anything as they lived their lives just like everyone else. The sets of twins were divided into two groups with one group consisting of twins who have a history of addiction in their family while the other group consisted of sets of twins who had no history of addiction in their families. The results found that twins whose families had a history of addiction were more likely to become addicted to something. These studies also showed that if one of the twins became addicted to something in their lifetime, the other twin was also more likely to develop an addiction at some point in their life. There has been numerous other studies involving parents and their children, families as a whole, only-child, children with many siblings, single parent homes, and much more. Some studies come back inconclusive while others appear to tell a lot. In my opinion, I think the topic of genetics playing a role in addiction has a lot of promise but definitely needs more research, time, and effort put into it. I think it is important to note that no one is really born an addict but that they become an addict due to a variety of circumstances. And yes, I realize that there have been cases of babies being born addicted to a drug or withdrawing because their mother used a certain drug while pregnant. I don't know enough about cases such as these other then that they are under much debate as well. I also have a story for you guys about this that I will share later in the post.

It is important to note that there is no gene (at least that scientists know of yet) that makes one become addicted. Rather, when these studies are conducted scientists look to see if those involved in the case study or experiment exhibit common characteristics among one another. For example, if a group of individuals tend to experience a harder time quitting smoking all share a common gene, scientists may speculate that this gene has something to do with it. Another example would be if a group of individuals sharing a common gene had a bad reaction to a certain medication or drug while another group of individuals lacking this gene experienced benefits when taking the same drug or medication. So while having or lacking certain genes won't turn you into a addict, it can determine how vulnerable or invulnerable you are to potentially becoming an addict of something. This is what I want you guys to get out of this post most, that addicts are not created but rather are made over time and experience.

The story I wanted to share with you guys was about a buddy of mine. We are no longer that good of friends anymore as we simply faded away from one another. Our friendship did not end on a bad note and I simply wish the best for him. My buddy was born from a man and a woman who suffered from an addiction to crack cocaine. When the mother gave birth to my friend, the State did not see her fit enough to care for the baby due to her addiction to the crack cocaine. As a little baby, my friend was adopted by a couple who were unable to have children at the time. He would never see his parents again and still hasn't to this day. I don't think he even truly knows where his parents are or if they are even still alive. My friend never drank, smoke, or did any drugs up until his senior year of high school. He used to always joke with us that he was afraid to try drinking or drugs because of his former parent's addiction to the crack cocaine. Well, come senior year of high school, my friend begun drinking on weekends before eventually smoking pot for the first time. Within a few weeks of his first sip of alcohol and first toke of weed, he was smoking pot on a near everyday basis. Next thing I knew, my friend was messing around with the Oxycodone 30 mg pills often and had tried cocaine, mushrooms, LSD, crack, and tobacco. I had never seen someone in my life go from someone who wouldn't even have a sip of booze to someone who was willing to try any drug you put in front of them. All this in a matter of just a few months.

By the Spring of his senior year, he was using the Oxycodone 30 mg pills on a daily basis and had developed quite a habit. He was skipping class, getting arrested, and getting kicked out of his own home. He would throw away all he had accomplished over the years and not graduate high school. In a matter of less than 6 months, he had morphed into what we all feared, a heroin addict. After about a year of his first time getting drunk and high, he was in prison for home invasion and theft. Like I said, I have never seen a drug change someone so much and so quickly. It was really sad and disheartening to see a good friend go down this path. I look back at this and struggle to understand why it didn't stop me from continuing to use the Oxycodone 30 mg pills. I'm just grateful I didn't end up going down the same path as him, but who knows what would have happened to me if I were to not quit and seek help. I tell this story because it really opened my eyes to the possibility that addiction could really be in our blood or in our genes. It also showed me how addiction can get to anyone and how a drug can take such control over a person's life and change them dramatically. Maybe this was an example of that, or maybe it was just a unique situation, I'll probably never know.

There is so much information out there and some of this stuff can be really hard to explain, especially over the computer without writing a 1000 pages of material for you guys to read. Therefore, I am going to post below a few links that I read which seemed real interesting and helpful in talking about the role genetics can play in addiction. I try my best to provide you guys with as much information as I can but I have my limits so please don't shy away from reading these posts or the provided links below. I think it is extremely beneficial for addicts to know as much as they can about both themselves and addiction. The old saying that "knowledge is power" is really great for this situation. Anyways, here are the links to those articles below. The 2nd link (University of Utah) is really good. Check them out, you won't be disappointed.

http://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/is-addiction-a-disease.htm

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/genetics/

http://www.gatehouseacademy.com/blog/2008/12/16/why-do-people-become-addicted-to-drugs/

The Environment Around You

The environment around us also plays a major role in how some people become addicted. When I say environment around us, I am talking about the area we grew up in, the people we grew up around and associate ourselves with, the kind of upbringing we had, the careers we have, and much more. For example, someone who grew up in say a poor, abusive home whose parents used drugs or drank carry a higher risk of developing an addiction. Now, I'm not saying this is the case for everyone as I know people who have had tough upbringings who went on to become very successful and happy people while other people I grew up with who had a great upbringing that turned out addicted to drugs or alcohol living an often unsatisfying life. It's not always the way the you grew up but rather the type of person you are on the inside. But in many cases, the people who grew up without good role models or in a "rough" childhood often do not learn the things they need due to their parents nature or environment they grew up in. There is a book that's been out for quite some time now that is called The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck, which talks a lot about this among many other things. The book is highly recommended for people who suffer from addiction and is something I'm currently reading. The book isn't the most interesting thing to read but it does have some good stuff in it.

The environment around us also includes the place in which we grew up as well as the area we now spend most our lives in. For example, someone may be more likely to become addicted to cocaine in an area that is notorious for cocaine addiction and dealing. In areas that are more isolated and with not much to do, there has been some evidence that drug use and drinking can be higher in these areas. An example would be a place like Alaska. Once again, not everyone from these places grows up to become an addict as many go on to live nice, successful, and enjoyable lives. Having family, teachers, and those around us to educate us about drugs and drinking at a young age can be very beneficial and this is why programs like D.A.R.E. are viewed as important aspects of a community. Sometimes they work great, other times not so great. Just like people, not every place is the same.

In my opinion, I think the social environment, our upbringings, the people we surround ourselves around (sometimes, not by choice), and the places we spend a majority of our time in all effect the type of person we grow up to be. These aspects can have both positive and negative effects on us and can effect each and every one of us with not just drug addiction, but in many other parts of life as well. Once again, there is a lot of information out there about this kind of stuff, some of it better explained to you by experts than by myself. Here are some links to sites I think can provide you guys with some solid information. The first link is to that book by Scott Peck (The Road Less Traveled) that I mentioned earlier in case anyone is interested in it.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/347852.The_Road_Less_Traveled
http://www.thefix.com/content/trauma-and-addiction9180
http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/163/7/654.full
http://www.drugrehabtreatmenthelp.com/blog/Reason+for+Addiction+1%3A+Social+Context/

Health

Both our physical and mental health can also play a role in our addictions. Numerous studies have found a link between drug or alcohol addiction with mental illnesses, diseases, or disabilities. I think this is an area that is very deserving of further research and concentration as I believe there are some people out there who are wrongfully imprisoned or looked down upon due to being what many perceive as a good for nothing drug addict. What many do not understand is that there are thousands of people who have mental illnesses that can effect the way they think and act. Many of these people "self medicate" themselves as they find certain drugs or drinking as a way out and something to help them. Now don't get me wrong, there are a lot of criminals and bad people out there who just like to get high or do other things, but I believe some people with an illness or a disability who are wrongfully put under the same category as these people. It's an issue that has a lot of gray area and is something that I think we as human beings will eventually learn to better cope and deal with. Not even a 100 years ago were people with diseases or mental illnesses imprisoned due to a lack of knowledge and sense of prejudice at the time. Now many of these people (but still not enough) are treated with better care and a better sense of understanding.

Members of the addiction community are now really beginning to learn how many social disorders also can play a role in drug addiction. These disorders can be very apparent like someone with OCD or they might not seem to stand out much such as those with a anxiety disorder or extreme shyness. There's so many disorders out there its nearly impossible to discuss them all. In fact, research has recently shown us that as many as 1 out of every 5 people has some form of mental illness or social disorder. That's a lot of people and it's disheartening to see and hear about those who can't get the help they need and then turn to drugs. Now, I also want to point out that not every addict has a mental illness or social disorder. Some of us are addicts for an entirely different set of reasons and mental health is just one of many factors that can effect whether one develops an addiction. Also, not all people with mental illness or social disorders become addicts. Once again, everyone and their story is different, and this is something we should all respect and really learn to understand.

A high percentage of people with mental disorders are also addicted to drugs of abuse.

A final aspect of our health concerns those who are disabled. Those who are disabled can sometimes be put into very difficult situations. Sometimes, they cannot do certain things, run as fast, jump as high, or lift as much as others among other things. Having a disability can make many feel uncomfortable and subconscious which can lead to these people isolating themselves and/or becoming depressed. These factors, among other things as well, can lead to drug or alcohol addiction. Once again, not everyone who is disabled becomes an addict and there are thousands of disabled individuals who live life to the fullest. Sometimes I see disabled people and am truly amazed at how they have the courage and willpower to do the things they do when I struggle doing things that I often do not realize I am fortunate enough to be doing in the first place. To help you guys get a better picture of what I'm talking about with drug addiction and  it's relation to health, here are a few more links below.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203090143.htm

http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Dual_Diagnosis_-_Substance_Abuse_and_Mental_Illness.htm

http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid=174934

http://thecyn.com/drug-addiction/how-is-drug-addiction-and-depression-related/

http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/depression-and-substance-abuse.aspx

http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder/social-anxiety-and-alcohol-abuse

Our Personal History

This section of my post is pretty broad and even covers some of things we just talked about so bear with me. When I say our personal history, I mean everything about us and our past. Our personal history can have a lot to do with not only drug addiction, but the outcome of our lives. For example, research has shown that people who start to use drugs and who use them more often at a younger age than most of their peers, are more likely to develop an addiction. Think about it like this. Think back to when you were a little kid in middle school or high school and think of that kid in your grade who was the wild kid. The kid who was always getting into trouble and who was already drinking and smoking pot by the time they were in the 6th or 7th grade. Every grade has this kid(s). Some of us here may have even been that kid. OK, now try to think where that kid is now and how his life shaped out to be? If you're like me, that kid you went to school with is probably living a pretty shitty life, is homeless, in jail, or even worse, dead. I don't mean to sound like a jerk by saying that, I just want you guys to get the point about what usually (not always) happens to kids like that. Now, sometimes these kids turn their lives around and grow on to be successful, happy people. But many other times, they don't.

The people we grew up around, the things we grew up doing, our likes, our dislikes, our experiences, and virtually every other frigging thing we've done since our first day on this planet has in some way, shape, or form an effect on our lives. I look back at my life and can think of a few things that probably had something to do with me developing an addiction to Oxycodone. I had a lot of friends, some were good kids who never got into trouble and others were, well, the naughty ones. I was always a quiet kid growing up as well so I think that may have had something to do with me liking the Oxycodone. I really liked to just relax and chill by myself. Don't get me wrong, I loved seeing my friends and family, but my ideal Friday night was just hanging out, watching a movie or playing a video high as a kite off of Oxyocodne and weed. But that's just me and my story. I also have a disease that I've had nearly my whole life which causes me some pain, discomfort, and which makes me subconscious sometimes as well. I believe this may have made me look to the Oxycodone high as a quick and easy way out of reality. I'm sure you guys have your own thoughts on what you think may have had some impact on you developing your addiction to opiates.

Conclusion 

Talking with a consular and doctor can really help a lot in you getting to know yourself and more about your addiction. Believe me, I thought the whole talking to a consular thing was a bunch of B.S. and a waste of time. I absolutely hated every minute of it at first. But over time, I really did learn some stuff and it actually started to feel good being able to vent my emotions and problems to someone. I was also never really big into learning about addiction and the way it affects the body and mind until, well, I was someone experiencing it. There's so much information out there on this stuff and still so much more to have yet to be fully understood. I can only recommend to you guys that you really take a step back and look deep inside yourselves to learn who you truly are. I know I probably sound like a whack job talking like that but I'm dead serious. I'm still early into recovery but now have over 4 months under my belt with the help of Suboxone and my support network. I'm not going to lie, some days I feel great and really confident in the direction I'm going in. Other days, I feel like shit and want to get high really, really, really, really bad. I haven't cracked yet though and that's something I can say I'm proud of.

I hope this post was really helpful and interesting for you guys. I know it's a lot of information to read and digest. I also know that the links I added result in even more information to read. I'm not a teacher and I'm not someone who expects you to do all this reading in one night, or even ever. Take whatever you want from it. I'd like to dedicate the comment section of this post for you guys to post or talk about any information you have in regards to the topic of this post. Also, feel free to ask any questions or make any suggestions in regards to this post or the blog as a whole if you wish. I will always answer back to you guys ASAP. Also check out the applications I have at the bottom of the page and vote on the new poll I just installed. I think the poll can be pretty fun for all of us to hear what everyone thinks. Until next post my friends, take care and be well. Keep seeing the light, you won't regret it.

Take Care,

Seeingthelight



Why We Got Addicted To Opiates

Greetings everyone and welcome back! This is now my fourth post in my new blog for dealing with opiate addiction. For people who have read my previous posts and are keeping up to date with my blog, I apologize for being repetitive but if we have any new comers here who would like to view my previous posts feel free to check out the following links by clicking on Welcome or My Experience with Suboxone. In addition to my first post which welcomed everyone while providing you guys with some information about myself and the blog (what we stand for, purpose of blog, and rules of the blog), I have also written two other posts. One of those posts talks about Suboxone and my experience with it while the other post talks about Opiate Withdrawals as well my experience with those as well. I've noticed I have gotten some views of my blog after checking my database and am so happy to have gotten some readers. Now we just need some comments to generate some conversations!

Anyways, I really hope this blog can help people in dealing with their opiate addiction(s). As I've mentioned in my previous posts, I suffer from an addiction to the Oxycodone 30 mg pills. I am now on an outpatient Suboxone program that has really helped me in getting my shit and life back together. I also want to reiterate that this blog focuses mostly on opiate addiction (any kind of opiate) but that anyone can read, join, or comment. It doesn't matter to me if you are currently using opiates, just stopped using, haven't used in 20 years, or have never used before in your life. I welcome everyone no matter what path or road you have taken in the past. I simply just ask you follow the rules of the blog. Alright now that we got all that small talk out of the way, I would like to shift our focus to the topic of this particular post, the reason(s) why we got addicted to opiates in the first place.

I have been addicted to opiates (the Oxycodone 30 mg pills) for about 3 years now. While I don't have a long history of opiate abuse, I know how bad it can get from both my own experiences and the experiences of people I know. It really can be an ugly situation to get yourself into and a difficult situation to get yourself out of. So far my posts have discussed ways to deal with getting off of opiates, so I figured we'll make this one be about why we got into opiates in the first place. Basically, the way I'm going to do this post is to divide it into three sections;  (1) The science behind why we develop an addiction to opiates, (2) My own personal story, and (3) What you guys have to say such as your own personal reasons/experiences or any comments/information you may have to add.

The Science Behind Opiate Addiction

The Brain

When I think of opiate addiction, I like to break it down into 2 different parts based upon how they affect us. The first part is the body while the second part is the mind. The withdrawals you experience when you don't use and to an extent the high you get when you do use deal more so with the body. However, the reason these things happen is a direct result of the mind. Confused already? Basically, your brain has an opioid receptor system which is similar to the way other receptor systems in your brain work. For example, when you eat something you like to eat, see someone you like to see, or do something you like to do our brain lets off chemicals which accomplish a variety of tasks in our bodies. When we do things we like to do, our brain and certain receptors in our brain respond positively. Unfortunately, our receptors react the same way when we put drugs into our bodies.

The high we get from drugs directly influences our brain and its receptors. After continuously using drugs (in our case, opiates) for a period of time, our brain begins craving these drugs to satisfy itself. Drugs really are powerful. In fact, some people who use opiates for a long period of time often have a difficult time enjoying things they enjoyed doing before they got addicted to drugs. For example, if someone who loved fishing and did it say every weekend developed an addiction to opiates for a long period of time were to suddenly stop using or seek treatment, they would experience far more then the physical withdrawals we have come to know and love. It would not be unusual for the fishermen to have a difficult time getting back into the groove of fishing and enjoying it. It sucks but this is how opiates, or most drugs for that matter, can alter our brain chemistry.

However, this is not to say that this lack of enjoyment happens to everyone and is always permanent. In fact, most people are able to gain back their enjoyment of things they used to love to do after a period of time. It can be weeks, months, or even years depending on the person and their situation. This is also another reason why it is not uncommon for many former addicts to experience depression, anxiety, and similar matters. Like I always say, this is why it's important to talk honestly and often with your family, doctor, and support network to make sure everything is going well, is safe, and is working properly. Addiction is no joke and must be taken seriously.

The Effects Opiates Can Have On Our Brains

While everyone knows of and truly hates the physical withdrawals we all experience when stopping cold turkey from opiates, few talk about how the mind feels when battling an opiate addiction. The mind is just as sensitive as the body is in this matter and this is why it is so important to develop a strong support network, learn coping mechanisms, attend AA or NA meetings, talk openly with family, friends, and your support network, and to not be afraid to seek help from doctors, consulars, therapists, or psychologist. This is often why people say getting clean is easy but staying clean is the hard part. This is especially true if you are stopping opiates cold turkey. I say this because when you battle your addiction to opiates with Suboxone (like myself) or with Methadone, you are still using an opiate. This is why your mind isn't as "off" as it can be when you stop cold turkey. Please note that I am in not any way saying that Suboxone or Methadone isn't the way to go or that those using these methods do not experience sensitivity to their minds as well. Believe me, as someone who is on Suboxone currently, I know how hard it is to battle opiate addiction no matter what method or route you chose to go on.

I found the following quote online from Wikipedia and think that it says what I am trying to say in better words. Courtesy of good, old Wikipedia:

"Studies show that most opioid dependent patients suffer from at least one severe psychiatric comorbidity. Since opioids used in pain therapy rarely cause any of these conditions, they are assumed to have existed prior to the development of dependence. Opioids are known to have strong antidepressive, anxiolytic and antipsychotic effects and thus opioid dependence often develops as a result of self medication.

Furthermore some studies suggest a permanent dysregulation of the endogenous opioid receptor system after chronic exposure to opiates. A recent study has shown that an increase in BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in rats can cause opiate-naive rats to begin displaying opiate-dependent behavior, including withdrawal and drug-seeking behavior. It has been shown that when an opiate-naive person begins using opiates at levels inducing euphoria, this same increase in BDNF occurs.  Another recent study concluded to have shown "a direct link between morphine abstinence and depressive-like symptoms" and postulates "that serotonin dysfunction represents a main mechanism contributing to mood disorders in opiate abstinence.""

There is a lot of information in regards to how opiate addiction effects both the mind and body, and I simply do not have either the time or space to write all of it as well as the fact that I do not know everything there is to know that is out there (remember when I said I wasn't a doctor?). Therefore, I am going to post below some websites that I feel might be helpful to read if you guys are interested in learning more about this topic. It's really interesting how the mind works and truly how powerful opiates are as well as their ability to alter your state of mind. Anyways, here are the links below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opioid_receptor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Substance_dependence

http://www.allaboutaddiction.com/addiction/addiction-brain-effects-opiate-addiction-heroin-oxycontin

http://www.opiates.org/opiates.htm

http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0405a.shtml

http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid=103089

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin

My Own Personal Story

Alright, now that we got the science part out of the way, lets take at look at my reasons into why and how I developed an addiction to an opiate. As I've mentioned numerous times here already, I have had an addiction to the Oxycodone 30 mg pills (A215s, M30s, 224s, Blue Vs) that lasted about 2 years. I had been abusing the Oxycodone over a period of 3 years but was truly addicted to it for the past 2 years. I'm sorry to sound graphic but I want to get my story across and be honest. I was abusing the pills and buying them off the street. I did not have a prescription, I was simply taking them to get high. I was also snorting the pills rather then swallowing them but I have never injected the pills, or anything for that matter in my life. I would also like to say that I do not look down upon or judge anyone who snort or injected. That's not the type of person I am and the way I look at it is that we're all in the same boat for an addiction to opiates, no matter what way we put them in our bodies. That's basically the "simple facts and stuff" about myself (if you want to know a little more, see my first two posts).

I am not making excuses for my addiction but would like to state why I believe I became addicted to them. I have always been someone who got bored easily and enjoyed doing things on my own. I was not a loner and I got along with people very well. I had a group of about 7 or 8 real good friends whose company I thoroughly enjoyed. For whatever reason, I was just someone who would rather hang in and watch a movie rather then go spend a wild night out at a club or try something crazy. I have a great family as well who I get along real good with and love dearly. I was never abused nor went through any traumatic event in my life. I had a very good upbringing and my parents were always there for me.

I had my first sip of alcohol when I was 18 years old and smoked weed for the first time when I was about 19. I tried a few other drugs but never really liked them. Then I tried Oxycodone and enjoyed it. However, it wasn't something I became obsessed over and needed to do. At least at first. I went from trying it a few times a year to a few times a month to a few times a week. Then next I knew, I was addicted and using basically every day. Then everyday became using multiple times a day. Then multiple times a day became well, I don't know how to put it but basically every waking minute of my life had to do with Oxycodone. Before my addiction, I never stole, lied, cheated, or acted like the way I did once I became hooked on these small pills. This addiction really made me change (and a lot of my other peers who unfortunately got addicted as well). I hated the person I was becoming. One thing I kept asking myself was why the hell did I even try these stupid pills? Or at least, how did the hell did I let it get this out of hand?

After much thought and finally getting the help I needed, I got clean. I have been on an outpatient Suboxone program for over 4 months now and I have not used Oxycodone once in those 4 months. The Suboxone has really helped me out. I have also been seeing a doctor and consular as well, which has also helped me a lot. I mention (and repeat if you've read my previous posts) this information so you guys can get as good of a picture of myself and my addiction as possible.

Now let me talk about the main purpose of this section of my post, why did I become addicted in the first place. Well, I don't know for sure and I may never truly know but there are some things that I believe did have some impact on it. The first factor I think may have helped lead to my addiction to Oxycodone is that I have an addictive personality. I never knew what an addictive personality was or that it was even really something you could have until I became addicted to the Oxycodone. Basically, when I come across something I really enjoy, I can't get enough of it. I tried the Oxycodone and got addicted. I tried weed and became a pothead. I tried tobacco and now use that on a daily basis. Hell, I tried coffee and drink that on an almost daily basis. I have an addictive personality and have to learn how to deal with it. It sucks, but hey there are a lot worse things out there you can have so I have no right to complain about something this small. Like I mentioned before, I'm also someone who likes to hang out alone and just chill out. I think this is why the Oxycodone was so appealing to me as I would love to just snort a few pills, sit back, and play a video game, watch a movie, or surf the web. Man, I miss those days but at the same time, I'm happy that I'm in a different place now and am clean for the time being.

Another thing that I think may have had somewhat of an impact on my addiction is my family history and genetics. It is still in much debate in the scientific and addiction community but some believe (myself included) that genetics and family history can play a role in someone developing an addiction. While I had a great family who I love so much, I grew up around people who well, liked to drink alcohol. Now, my family members weren't drunk all day, every day or weren't people who were in and out of jail, rehab, or trouble. My family members never did drugs either. In fact, they absolutely hate the thought of tobacco or weed, let alone Oxycodone abuse. They were people who would drink say 2-4 times a week. I truly couldn't stand seeing my parents get drunk and it especially bothered me when they would get drunk at family parties or in public settings. Like I said before, they were never abusive or anything, it was just embarrassing having parents, aunts, or uncles making a fool out of themselves in public. But hey, no ones' family is ever perfect I guess right? My thinking is that perhaps this might have something to do with my addiction but again, who knows.

Another reason I believe may have lead to me becoming addicted to an opiate is the fact that I have a disease. For privacy reasons and to help keep my identity unknown, I would rather not go into much detail about the disease I have. The disease I have sucks to have, but I will say it is not as deadly or serious as say Cancer. It is a disease which totally alters your life and can take a lot out of someone. It's tough to live with, but is something I will have for the rest of my life unless they develop a cure or it magically disappears (if only things were that easy). While I was able to live a pretty normal childhood, the disease did limit me from some things growing up and did make me somewhat subconscious about myself. The particular disease I have also causes me to be somewhat uncomfortable and in mild pain at times (I have good days and bad days). I think this disease I have (and no, the disease I'm talking about here isn't addiction if that's what you were guessing) has affected the way I think and live, and I think I saw the high from the Oxycodone as a temporary way out from reality and as a tool to mask my pain. Sorry, I don't mean to be getting really deep with this stuff. Anyways, I'm learning how to better live with my disease (after all, I've had it nearly my whole life) and to not look to getting high as a way to cope. It's tough, I'm not going to lye, but I'm trying my best to just deal with it without altering my state of mind.

My final reason for getting addicted to Oxycodone (and is a reason for most of us, whether we like to admit it or not) is that I just liked to get high. Plain and simple folks, I fucking loved the high. The high I got from Oxycodone was something I really loved. I would imagine how great it would be if I could somehow have a supply of Oxycodone that never ran out or if I somehow had all the money in the world to buy as much Oxycodone as I wanted. I don't mean to sound dark here or joke with those who have had this really happened to them, but I would always joke with my friends whenever they asked me what I would do if I was rich and famous. I would always respond that I would probably end up dead as I would be doing so much Oxycodone with all the money and resources I would have if I was rich and famous. Dark, I know.

Well, you guys now know a little more about me and my story into my addiction with Oxycodone. My story is a pretty ugly one but believe me (and I'm sure some of you know) there's a lot of uglier stories out there. Despite all the shit I've been through, I still have a good family and group of friends, my health (to an extent), and a future. I have had friends and people I know end up being kicked out of their homes, forced into rehab, locked up in jails, or even dead as a result of their addictions. Addiction is something that can be truly devastating to not only the person who is addicted, but to those around them who often love and care greatly for them.

What You Guys Have To Say

Alright guys, I'm done talking and am now leaving the rest of this post up to you guys. I haven't had any comments yet in my blogs so I encourage you guys to please, please, please comment so we can get some conversations going. Even if its just one person, I'll comment back and will try to the best of my ability and knowledge to help each and every one of you guys who visit here. Like I always say, I really hope this blog can help some people and I was so happy today to see that a few people had viewed my blog recently. So feel free to comment below about your own stories, experiences, or tips you have. I hope anyone reading is doing well and thank you guys for taking the time to read or comment on my blog. I'll have another post coming soon for you guys and feel free to read any of my previous posts. I've listed the links above in the first paragraph. And remember, keep seeing the light!

Take care guys,

Seeingthelight



The Dreaded Withdrawals

Hello everyone and welcome back. This is my third post on my new blog about opiate addiction. I have created this blog to help others who suffer from opiate addiction or who know someone who suffers from this kind of addiction. If you're new to this blog, I recommend you check out my previous two posts (Welcome and My Experience with Suboxone) by clicking on the following links:


I would like to use this post to discuss the topic of opiate withdrawals. If you're reading this site and are addicted to opiates you unfortunately probably know what withdrawals from opiates are and feel like. Basically, they suck and are a pain in the ass. I know when I experience opiate withdrawals I feel like I have the worst case of the flu suffering through the chills, sweats, restless legs, lack of sleep, body aches, and the wonderful diarrhea runs (sorry to paint a graphic image in your minds). Nearly all opiate addicts suffer from withdrawals when they stop their use of opiates cold turkey. Some get it worse than others. There are major factors in deciding how bad your withdrawals from opiates will be. These factors are:

1. The kind of opiates you were using
2. The dose you were taking
3. The length of time you were using these opiates
4. The method of taking these opiates (swallowing, snorting, injecting)
5. And the basic makeup of your body

Opiate Withdrawal Sucks

I would like to get a discussion going on some of the withdrawals readers of this blog experience, what they hate the most and what they can "live" with, and methods we use to help ease these often painful and annoying withdrawals. I really hate withdrawals myself (who doesn't?) and think the worst ones are the lack of sleep, restless legs, and chills. Everyone is different though as some will experience all of these, none of these, or some of these. I like to think of withdrawals as a painful reminder of the damage opiates to our lives and bodies and as a motivation to quit and not use again. Think to yourself "Do I really want to use and go through these nasty withdrawals again when I have to make another attempt at quitting opiates."


I would like to look at each of the 5 factors listed above and how they will affect the severity of withdrawals when the dreaded day comes to stop using opiates. Lets begin.


1. The kind of opiates you were using
The kind of opiates you were using before stopping cold turkey will have quite an impact into how bad your withdrawals can get. Some opiates (such as oxycodone) have short half lives meaning they leave your body relatively fast. The rule of thumb for oxycodone withdrawals is that you begin to feel them anywhere from 8-36 hours from your last dose and that the first 3-5 days are typically the worst with each day getting better after that. I have stopped using oxycodone cold turkey numerous times lasting anywhere from 2-14 days. I will say that after the first week of not using oxycodone has passed, you do begin to feel a lot better, but not great. The withdrawals that commonly last for weeks are the lack of sleep, restless legs, random chills or sweats, and the diarrhea. The longer you are off oxycodone, the better you will feel. As I previously mentioned, my longest time off of oxycodone going cold turkey was 14 days and by the end of the second week I was feeling much better but still experiencing restless legs, lack of sleep, and random chills. I am speaking from my experience with oxycodone however and some opiate's withdrawals last much longer or feel much worse. While I have no experience with the drug, I have heard that Methadone withdrawals is quite unpleasant and tends to last much longer due to its longer half life. Like I said, I have no experience with Methadone and am just speaking from what I have heard or read so this is where readers with experience with the drug may prove beneficial. As I always say, do your own research, talk to others with experience, and talk frequently with your doctor.


2. The dose you were taking
The dose you were taking before stopping cold turkey will also come into play when preparing for withdrawal. Basically, the higher the dose you were taking, the worse the withdrawals will most likely be. I was at a relatively high dose of oxycodone (180-300 mg per day) and can tell you from experience that this is very true. However, it may prove helpful if you slowly wean your dose down over a period of time. Weaning can help a lot but is usually very difficult as it takes a lot of willpower to do. I personally could never wean myself off of the oxycodone as I just didn't have the willpower unfortunately but everyone is different.

3. The length of time you were using
The length of time you were using the opiates for will also determine the severity of your withdrawals. This isn't exactly rocket science as the longer you used for, the more likely your withdrawals are to suck. However this is not to say that someone who used for say 6 months is going to be off the hook. Don't you wish you never used that first time? I know I certainly do...

4. The method of taking the opiate
I cannot really speak from experience much on this matter but more so from what I have read. Based on what I have read, it appears that the method by which you ingest the opiate can affect your withdrawals. Again I am speaking from what I have read. It seems that snorting or injecting opiates hits you faster with the high and also leaves your system quicker than if you were swallow the opiates. Therefore, those who snort or inject opiates will experience the onset of withdrawals slightly sooner than someone who normally swallow their opiates. Personally, I snorted the oxycodone I was abusing and would usually experience withdrawals after about 12-18 hours after my last dose. I have very little experience with swallowing oxycodone and have never injected anything in my life.

5. The basic makeup of your body
As I always say, everyone and their body is different. Some people may experience worse withdrawals than others or the length of their withdrawals may vary as well. Things that can come into play include your metabolism, body size, activity levels, and health. I'm not a doctor so I can't really say much about this matter but there is information out there on the Internet if you would like to know more. You could also talk to your doctor if you are really interested.

While all these can play a factor in the length and severity of your withdrawals, at the end of the day we are going to suffer through some of the pain, discomfort, and agony. I guess it's what we get for abusing these drugs (if you are someone who was prescribed opiates for pain management, please do not take offense to this comment as in my opinion you have every right to treat your pain and have one of the more excusable reasons for opiate addiction or dependence.) I would also like to note that while most will not experience any severe reactions to opiate withdrawals, some people can have very bad reactions or even die from stopping opiates immediately. Whether healthy or not, I believe it is in the best interest of the person to be upfront and honest with their family with what is going on and to talk with your doctor. Some people may fare better going cold turkey, weaning themselves, or using a drug such as Suboxone or Methadone. Once again, everyone is different so make sure you have a solid plan with your support network and be careful with whatever route you chose to go.

I would now like to go over a variety of things that can make it a little more bearable when going through opiate withdrawals. These include certain techniques, activities, hobbies, medications (both prescription and over the counter), and things that can make life a little easier during this shitty time.

1)Keeping busy/active
This is one of the hardest things to do when experiencing opiate withdrawal. However, if you can keep yourself distracted, it will help your mind greatly. Try watching some TV, surfing the web, going for a jog/walk, working out, bowling, reading a book, talking with friends or family, do some house or yard work, fixing up a car, listening to/playing music, and much more. I am not saying go out and run a marathon but rather do something to keep yourself busy and your mind off wanting to use. When we use drugs our body releases endorphins which are what provide us with a high and sense of pleasure. We can also obtain this high and sense of pleasure through things we enjoy other than drugs (ever hear of a runner's high?). While it may seem better, the worst thing you can do is to just sit around on the couch or in bed all day going out of your mind and feeling like absolute shit.

2)Medications
There are several medications out there that can help with opiate withdrawals. I'm not talking medications like Suboxone or Methadone but rather what many doctors refer to as comfort medications. To help with the chills, sweats, and anxiety there is the high blood pressure medication Clonidine. You will need a prescription to obtain this medication but it is well regarded in the addiction community and I have used it myself. I would say it does help but I also wouldn't say it is some miracle drug that will end all withdrawals. Talk with your doctor about it and make sure your doctor is aware if you have any health conditions such as high pressure. To help patients deal with the lack of sleep and restless legs many experience with withdrawal there are the use of certian sleep medications. Be careful when using sleep medications as some (most notably Benzos) can be very addicting and have withdrawals that are worse then what you would experience with opiates. I have tried both Ambien and Trazodone for sleep and found both work. The Ambien is stronger then the Trazadone but can be habit forming so beware. Trazodone is an antidepressant that is now primary used for its off label use of helping with sleep problems. Both of these drugs require a doctors prescription. Over the counter medications that can help with sleep include Benadryl or Unisom.These are a little bit weaker then the Ambien or Trazodone but do work well for some. Like any other medication, talk with your doctor before trying anything. I have also heard of using a potassium supplement to help with the restless legs but I do not have any experience with this myself. Another over the counter medication to help with opiate withdrawals is Imodium, which will help mostly with the upset stomach and diarrhea many experience with going cold turkey. Anxiety is a major symptom many experience when going through withdrawals. There are certain medications such as Xanex, Klonopin, and Valium that can help a lot with this matter but please beware that these medications can also be quite addicting so once again please be careful. I do not have any experience with Xanex, Klonopin, or Valium as an aid to help with anxiety so cannot speak from experience. The use of a medication such as Advil or Aleve may help with the achy joints and muscles many feel when withdrawing. A final thing that may help ease withdrawals is the use of a multi vitamin. Not only will these be beneficial to your overall health but it will also provide your body with nutrients to help it repair itself. I cannot stress to you guys to do your research and talk openly and honestly with your doctor and support network. Please do not try to take matters into your own hands as some of the drugs I just mentioned can be addicting and dangerous themselves if misused or abused. My doctor was good to work with and I was honest with him which allowed to me get some comfort medications that can help a lot.

3) Supplies
I am now going to tell you some things to do or keep around to help with withdrawals. I always find it helpful to have a nice bed or couch to relax on with plenty of pillows and blankets (a heated blanket can feel amazing when your freezing). Most people experience hot flashes and cold chills throughout the day so this can help a little. Wearing comfortable clothing (for me a white cotton tee and soft sweatpants) can help a little bit too. I also find that going in the hot tub, sauna, or even bath to help a lot with the achy joints and muscles. I find drinking a cup of coffee in the morning gives me a little pick up and energy. Avoid drinking alcohol as while it may make you feel good for a little, you'll wake up a hangover feeling even worse the next day. Try getting yourself some video games, movies, or books to keep yourself occupied while you take your vacation to hell. Having comfort foods and beverages can help too such as soups, yogurts, tea, hot coco, ect...

4)Preparing Yourself
Going through withdrawals sucks. There really isn't any other way to put it and the worst thing that can happen to you during withdrawals is when you have a lot of shit to do. I recommend that if you can take time off of work or school, you should so you can focus entirely on yourself. Maybe try going cold turkey over a holiday weekend, vacation period, or random week off of work/school. The added stress of having to work or go to school can make you want to crack. It may also be helpful to tell your family, friends, or spouse what you are going through so they know what the hell is going on and you have someone to keep an eye on you and help you. Finally, try not to think of not using 24/7 as you will drive yourself insane. Take it slowly and keep busy.

Withdrawal really sucks. I don't think I can say that enough. However, you can get through it and will most likely come out of it OK. It's tough work but is doable. I personally went the Suboxone route but I want this blog to be able to help all opiate addicts not just people on Suboxone. I have gone through withdrawals numerous times either as a result of wanting to quit, not being able score, or not having money to score. No matter what the reason is, they are going to suck but there are some things that can make life a little more bearable during this dreadful period of your life. Once again, I cannot stress to you guys to talk with your support network and doctors before making any drastic moves and to not just sit around all day beating yourself up while withdrawing. It gets better, it really does. I know that might sound like a load of B.S. and you've probably (like me) have heard that phrase a million frigging times. But it will get better. Think about it and where you are right now. Can't say 1 month of feeling crappy and not totally normal to get clean be much worse then living a life depending on pill after pill?

I would love to have you guys pitch in some comments on this post (or any other ones, I will always read them and comment back). Talk about withdrawals and what you do to ease them. Talk about how you fear them or talk about how you overcame them if you did. I'm here to help you guys because I know how hard it is being an opiate addict and trying to do the right thing and get clean. I choose to go on Suboxone but have heard of other people going cold turkey and being successful. There are different ways to do this and everyone is different, at the end of the day its about whether or not you were able to do the right thing and get clean.

I would like to end this post by providing you guys with some links that deal with opiate withdrawals. There are also discussion boards online in which people share there stories, tips, and experiences as well that might help you guys. Also try looking up the Thomas Recipe for withdrawals as it is well known and praised for helping others with withdrawal. Even some of things we talked about on this post will show up in the Thomas Recipe. Give it a shot. Like I always say, do your research guys and keep informed. Here are the links that I think might be insightful:

http://www.drugs.com/forum/featured-conditions/thomas-recipe-opiate-withdrawal-35169.html
http://oxycodonewithdrawal.com/
http://oxycodonewithdrawal.net/
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/oxycodone-withdrawal-symptoms.html


Again, I would like to end this post like my other ones by thanking anyone who reads or comments on my blog. I really hope it can help people. I'll have another blog for you guys soon. Please be careful with your recovery methods and some of the medications I listed above. Talk with your doctor and do your research before trying anything. And remember to keep looking for that light, like always it's there somewhere.

Take care my friends,

Seeingthelight