Posted by Barbara Cat on July 3, 2003, at 13:37:47
In reply to Re: Opiates/alcohol burning questions, posted by maryhelen on July 3, 2003, at 11:17:03
I agree, Maryhelen. Opiates definitely lift a depression. I have never done anything like heroin, but I've heard from people who have that the feeling they get is like being wrapped in a warm fuzzy blanket and held in the arms of the Mother. The feeling is a very spiritual one, like all is well in a loving universe. A very hard thing to give up, especially when it means you have to return to this painful and harsh existence.
I can't say that I've ever been 'addicted' to them, except that for a number of years I'd have 1/2 a vicodin every night. It would smooth out my evening and give me a pleasant lift to make the dinner and do something. Instead of coming home from my stressful work day and plopping onto the couch if I didn't have my 'lift'.
I agree about finding something that creates that mild euphoria without being harmful. I think it's called 'exercise'. I dragged my fanny out of bed this morning - even though I'm going through a massive fibromyalgia flare - and took a walk. My first 100 years or so were hobbling, but then the lift came and I ended up walking a few miles, feeling great. I know this very well, but still, in the middle of a black depresssion I simply do not want to do anything and exercise usually doesn't even work. Everything feels disordered and I end up sobbing in a heap during my walk. I really don't want my neighbors to know this much about me.
What kind of opiates were you taking? How did you feel on them? How did you manage to kick the addiction? What are your thoughts on the opiates exacerbating your depression even though they kept it from overwhelming you? Could the depression be part of the withdrawal? - Barbara
> I cannot speak in the same terms as most posters with the incredible knowledge of receptors, neurostransmiters, etc. etc. etc. I selfishly take the knowledge and very much appreciate it.
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> So simply stated, I always wished that the drug companies, scientists, whomever, could somehow find a way to get the same affect with opiods/opiates without the possibility of addiction.
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> I became addicted to my pain medications, over the years, as I treated my migraines, back pain, etc. However, I slowly came to realize that these very pills were keeping my depression at bay. Coming off them was the hardest thing I had to do. I needed more and more for the same affect, but will never apologize, because as the depression got worse, I would have committed suicide without the relief I got from them.
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> I am pretty sure that is what scares doctors into prescribing them. They are terrified that many will get addicted. For those who could control the intake, I wish there was a way to know, and therefore, get the benefits from them that you need.
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> maryhelen
poster:Barbara Cat
thread:238575
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030701/msgs/238982.html