Drug Rehab Options Blog

I just got home from a medical detox and am craving already. Before I went in I was taking 300 mg day of oxycodone/oxycontin mix and drinking heavily on top of it, with the occassional hit off a joint. I am now on Suboxone but came home to my reality and am jonesing for anything -a beer a joint whatever. I do have a couple of xanax but holidng off for when I REALLY need them. The really good bottle of wine I am saving for a bday present for a friend is looking really good too. I won't drink it but I can't get it out of the house right now either.

Essentially I am alone, exhausted, scared and pissed off. All of the things that I am supposed to do to distract myself remind me of using. Evenbasic things like housecleaning. I always used to give myself energy. How do Iget around this?

For the record I am NOT a beleiver or fan of NA/AA, but I do plan to go to a meeting if I have to- just to fill my time. However I don't see this as my solution. I need other answers. I am aware of my natural insticnt to self sabatoge but am also aware of my limitations.

I started to write a book here about my story - but the story can come later. This is my second go around with this so I have a basic understanding - but realized I just need some comfort at the moment. PLEASE REMIND ME why I am doing this!!

My intent is to find tools and support - I hope to use this board and/or others to help me.

Thank you.

I've been sober almost 10 months after 7 years of very heavy drinking. I went through a horrible 10 day medical detox, DT's, seizure (while on ativan), and then 30 day residental treatment. The entire time I never slept more than 2 or 3 hours a night, and after detox we weren't able to even take naps during the day because we were always in classes.

Anyway, It's been hard since January, and I still haven't got my sleep or appetite back yet. It hasn't even really improved at all. I am usually awake for 24-48 hours straight, then sleep for 6-8 hours, then I'm awake for another 24-48. It's been taking a major physical toll. I went to see my dr. while I was still employed and he gave me trazadone. It didn't phase me. Then I lost my insurance and can't even afford to see a dr., let alone fill a prescription.

Something I remember from recovery is HALT. Hurt, angry, lonely, and tired. I still struggle to not drink every day but each day my resolve becomes stronger. I know taking a drink will not help me only make things much worse.

I'm just, well, exhausted, all the time. All my other withdrawl symptoms are gone but this one. How long until my brain goes back to normal? Has anybody gone through this and have any advice to offer?

I've tried routines, herbal teas, melatonin, relaxation exercises... I don't know what to do.:praying

Well not much to say but I did it again, started back into the vodka on August 10th and drank pretty much non stop until August 21. By that point I was more dead then alive and ended up in ER, I had to be carried out of the house by the paramedics. In that period of 11 days I had gone through 11 large bottles of vodka, I had 2 cases and there was one bottle left in the second case when I was taken to the hospital. I underwent a medical detox in the cardiac ICU (as I also have heart problems), was hooked up to numerous IV's and was released after 3 days with a stern warning to never drink again. The official diagnosis on the release forms was alcohol induced heart failure and kidney damage.
So far I already got the hospital bill for 3 days in the cardiac ICU, which was over $18,000 and that's only the hospital portion the Doctors usually send their own bills. It's safe to say that this binge will end up costing over $20,000., something I never thought of when I took that first drink. In retrospect I think I started this binge to self medicate depression and anxiety but I know that's a poor excuse. The only thing the binge accomplished was to leave me with worse depression and anxiety and now also insomnia. I'm a complete mess and trying to get through the insomnia and depression as best I can. I'm getting through the days only by knowing that these symptoms will pass but it's not easy. I've always been against AA but am now thinking I might give it a try. Trying to hang in there, thanks for listening.

is an ongoing struggle. I seem to get through the day alright but night time is difficult. The cravings are sooooo intense. I keep telling myself that I have no physical cravings since detoxing and that it is all mental and to not drink no matter ******* what! I take Extra Strength Benedryl every night and it really seems to ease the cravings but damn!

Another strong point for me is that the first drink that I take I would consider a $9,000 drink since that is what I paid for the medical detox and I am quite sure that it would not be a one time deal.

Physically I feel great. No more shakes, no more puking, healthy appetite, clear eyes, no more smell, no more hangovers, no more falling down and hurting myself, more patience with my daughter, a willingness to step out of my isolation and actually talk with people, I can write with a pencil again, anxiety levels much lower, normal blood pressure, no more chest pains, no more stomach pains, no more diarrhea, etc. etc. etc. All of these benefits that are right under my nose and yet the mental battle continues to wage war on me.

I knew this would be the hardest part but I sure hope that it gets easier soon.