About Crystal Expertise I can answer questions on substance abuse and addiction as well as possible ideas for abstinence and groups. I have been a substance abuse counseling specialist for 5 years. I cannot give medically diagnose but can give accurate advice and helpful ideas.
Experience I have been a substance abuse counselor for five years and have detoxed clients off of all drugs and alcohol.
Education/Credentials I have a minor in addiction,an A.A. in Juvenile Justice and am working on my B.A in Criminal Justice with addiction. I have worked with doctors who specialize in medical detox and have 10 years nursing field experience.
Question I've been taking percocet 5/325mg for about a year and four months due to a back injury. I was taking three to six a day up until my surgery and about twelve a day plus two hydromorph contins 6mg for about two weeks after my surgery. I tried to taper myself off of them but did it too fast and got really sick so I stopped cold turkey. It's now been three weeks since I took my last percocet and my body has recovered great but I been dealing with a lot of depression. I have no reason to be depressed because everything going on in my life is good. I could go to my doctor and talk to him but I don't want anti-depressants because I fear that when they run out I will get depressed all over again. I've been trying my best to stay positive but I just can't seem to shake it. I was just wondering how long the depression will last and if there is anything I can do to help it. If you have any advise it would be much appreciated.
Thank you
Answer Steve,
I am sorry to hear that you are going through that, I know that it can be hard to wean off narcotics and depression is one of the harder things to shake. Can you go to the doctor and explain your situation to him? Your physician can give you meds to help with the depression so that you can get through it easier. There is no telling how long it will last, it just depends on the person and their history and sometimes there family history of depression. Does this make sense? Can you spend more time outside? The sun can also help to raise the serotonin levels in the brain which at as a mood regulator in the brain.
Let me know what else I can do. Take care.
