Luckyducky Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 I detoxed a few years ago off opiates and the depression part was the worst. I read that is was PAWS (post addiction withdrawl syndrome??) it really helped me remember that the depression is the chemical change happenng in my brain. It lasted about a 6 weeks for me. Is it the same thing coming off addy?? I was clean those 6 weeks then shortly after that I have struggled with my adderall addiction. I just want to be happy like I was before I started all my pill issues. I am a true addict!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zerokewl Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 Depression is part of the withdrawals, it takes some time to level off . Most of us struggle with PAWS days. I'm 7 months along and its definitely improved but it could be better. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freebird Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 I was wondering what PAWS was I had saw were several people had mentioned it before but I wasn't sure and had been meaning to looking it up. WHICH I think I still will because it sounds like something I might be experiencing by like I said I don't know much about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinW Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 I was wondering what PAWS was I had saw were several people had mentioned it before but I wasn't sure and had been meaning to looking it up. WHICH I think I still will because it sounds like something I might be experiencing by like I said I don't know much about it. Odds are that you are experiencing it; it has just gotten more manageable since the beginning of your quit. For me, it has always come in waves. The longer you're quit, the longer the time that you have between the lows and the shorter the lows last. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zerokewl Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 PAWS ( Post Acute withdrawal Symptom) . Your brain still wants its candy and is sorting out how to live without it. I've found alcohol can bring on PAWS like a mofo. At 7 months I've found if I'm taking care of myself (sleep, food, exercise) I can avoid a PAWS days. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freebird Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 Ahhhhh that makes sense and seems to be exactly what I am experiencing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetCarolinee Posted January 18, 2014 Report Share Posted January 18, 2014 How long does this PAWS last for and does it ever go away? I know it's different for everyone but I was just wondering what is everyones personal experiences with it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Zerokewl Posted January 18, 2014 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 18, 2014 it comes and goes. It sort of weakens with time and eventually goes away. You are still very early in your quit. Take it easy. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetCarolinee Posted January 19, 2014 Report Share Posted January 19, 2014 Thank you sir! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BeHereNow Posted January 21, 2014 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 PAWS ( Post Acute withdrawal Symptom) . Your brain still wants its candy and is sorting out how to live without it. I've found alcohol can bring on PAWS like a mofo. At 7 months I've found if I'm taking care of myself (sleep, food, exercise) I can avoid a PAWS days. TRUTH! Depression seems to be a universal part of quitting and I've found that alcohol can send PAWS, depression and anxiety through the roof!! I'm usually a moderate drinker but I really enjoy taking long breaks from alcohol. A month or more. Or I'll set a strict limit, like no more than 5 or 10 drinks in a month. This is something I've done a few times since quitting adderall and it REALLY helps! After a few days of not drinking I'm so much more energetic and productive, with dramatically lower frequency and intensity of anxiety depression and PAWS. It's like automatically I get better sleep, more exercise, and eat healthier. Alcohol is a depressant so I hear this is pretty common. I would recommend cutting/avoiding alcohol to anyone struggling with quitting and PAWS. (Currently on day 10 of my current alcohol-free month-long cleanse. And feeling GREAT! ) 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckyducky Posted January 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 I hate the depression part of coming off pills. When I came off pain meds (my first experience to addiction) the depression was unbearable. This time around it's more if a nagging depression. It makes me understand what people with depression go through and truly get it. I struggle with anxiety and mine turns to anger. I take lexapro for it and it keeps my anxiety somewhat tamed. Day 5 of not using I felt really low today and a lot of self pity but I am trying to remember it's my brain chemicals going wacky and it will level out someday. My church had a worship night tonight and even though I stopped going to church when my addiction was at it's lowest a couple of years ago I went tonight. Just singing and praying felt so good and for that 90 mins I had hope. That's my day 5!! Robin: I'm glad you posted I have been looking to say hi and tell you I admire you and your transparency helps me to open up:))) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oyvey Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 The depression/anxiety is unbearable for me right now. In my whole life it has never been to this extent. I'm trying to keep in my mind that it will get better. Mine hit without warning. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinW Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 Have you considered getting on an anti-depressant temporarily just to get through this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oyvey Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 Yes, I just left a message with my doctor. I would eat gravel if it helped. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oyvey Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 Thank you for the replies. Still waiting on the doc for a call back. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckyducky Posted January 31, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2014 http://www.acnp.org/G4/GN401000166/CH162.htm... I read this great article/scientific information on amphetmine abuse. It's very long and detailed but it gave me some insight that I needed. Also there is a term for all of us it's "Amphetamine Use Disorder". Look it up it's pretty interesting. I never understood why being 46yrs old and never having an addiction problem until 3 yrs ago. I didn't drink, smoke and only took Tylenol on the rare occasion. My pain pill addiction was a year battle but was fairly easy to quit. I have even had to take pain meds a couple days when I broke my foot and tossed the rest in the trash. I started use adderall during my pain med abuse. I have had clean time from amphetamines but I always go back. I'm sure I self numb but even when I get 30 days or so off of it and feel great it will hit me. I am hoping my therapy will help. I made more calls today and I feel hopeful. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freebird Posted January 31, 2014 Report Share Posted January 31, 2014 Hey lucky I have been thinking about you!!!!! I am so glad you are feeling better!!!! I will for sure check out article later. Just wanted to say hello real quick I will be back on later. again I am thinking about you and sending positive vibes your way!!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckyducky Posted January 31, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2014 Oops I made a mistake it's called "stimulant use Disorder"! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Luckyducky Posted January 31, 2014 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted January 31, 2014 I got an appointment with a drug therapies and he said he will work with me and my insurance. Finally so excited.! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinW Posted January 31, 2014 Report Share Posted January 31, 2014 That is excellent news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oyvey Posted January 31, 2014 Report Share Posted January 31, 2014 Will check this out. Thank you, Lucky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetCarolinee Posted February 1, 2014 Report Share Posted February 1, 2014 That's great Luckyducky, good for you, you'll get threw it! And I gotta check out that article you all were talking about, seems really interesting. Oyvey, I hope you feel better. I know nothing we can say will make you feel better right now but know, this will pass. I, myself am on zoloft right now. If I had it my way, I wouldn't be... I wouldn't be on anything but the depression got so bad and I've been feeling a lot better on it and wish I got on it sooner actually. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freebird Posted February 1, 2014 Report Share Posted February 1, 2014 Lucky I am super glad you found a therapist!!! You already sound in better spirits!!! when is your appointment? You knight have said I need to go back and check. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oyvey Posted February 1, 2014 Report Share Posted February 1, 2014 I wouldn't like to be on meds either, but I just started yesterday and hoping that some good relief comes soon. Thank you for your nice words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I was wondering what PAWS was I had saw were several people had mentioned it before but I wasn't sure and had been meaning to looking it up. WHICH I think I still will because it sounds like something I might be experiencing by like I said I don't know much about it.I have found this to be a good explanation of PAWS. http://addictionsandrecovery.org/post-acute-withdrawal.htm I did quite a number on myself in my adderall binging days (I was mostly snorting adderall too and was over 250mgs a day sometimes more) so even years later after quitting my PAWS gets really bad and intense. Especially when I am under stress and haven't slept enough. But I doubt yours would last as long as mine has. the length of PAWS is different for everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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