[jr14]

I have been opiate free for 8 days, I'm not going to go into my story, we all have one, and lots of excuses...some valid, some not...but I am no one to judge, my excuses are poor.

My question is...I still have no Zest, energy, when does that come back?

Have you taken any vitamins, or tried exercising? Your brain needs to replace certain receptors and endorphins. Both nutrition and exercise will help with that. I'm clean 13 days, and aside from some anxiety, I'm pretty much back to normal.

[mitchigan]

Congrats on 8 days!!! The worst is behind you! As far as your question, the time frame will vary depending on how much for how long. If you are sleeping ok by now then I would say a couple weeks. Worst case scenerio could be 60-90 days. Exercise WILL speed up the process. Your body needs some time to adjust to being opiate-free. No energy, touble sleeping, and a general feeling of depression are common. It does get better! Get some exercise and get that endorphin production going and you can feel some improvement almost daily. Congrats again, and best of luck with your recovery!

[Debpurpletiger]

Congrats on the 8 days!!!

The worst, as far as physical symptoms, should almost be gone. But the MENTAL part can last a long time. Then there is PAWS - Post Acute Withdrawl Syndrome, which can cause mental craving for MONTHS - and the urge to use to get the good feeling. THAT is the hardest part. You are normal when you say you have no "zest. no energy" And this, unfortunately, is really the hard part.

While I was going to IOP (Intensive Outpatient) Recovery, my counselor said that a "craving" will go away after 20 mins. So, when you feel that urge coming on - busy yourself for 20 minutes - do some yardwork or housework or go for a walk, etc....just be sure it is a physical activity and this WILL help to get through a craving.

Keep posting and good luck!

[BlackKats]

How long were you taking opies? What kind of opies were they? The longer that you are on any kind of opiate, the longer it will take to get back to "normal"
I just finished a sub taper about two and a half weeks ago, after a year and a half on hydro. If you can tough it out C/T, more power to you, my friend. Let us know how long you were using. That way we can give you more concrete advise.

Gary