Expert: Jacqui - 9/19/2009

Question
Hello Jacqui! My name is Natasha, we have communicated b4 and you were a great help. I was the crack addict. I am today totally abstinent for almost 3 months! and am doing generally fine. However, I notice that at times I revert back to some very strange behaviors that I thought were only possible if I was usiong. Like sudden bursts of anger , mood swings, talking very loud, fast and with way  more intensity than is necessary. I even write strange e-mails that hardly make sense when I re read them. I feel like such a FOOL when i realize it. But while it is happening I think all is normal, except for a very rapid heartbeat. I only realize how weird I acted the next day or so when I am calmer. This has lead to much embarrassment. What is going on?
PS I already take Paxil (200ml perday).

thanx in advance!  

Answer
Hey Natasha,

I am so glad to hear from you!  I was wondering how you were going.  

My opinion on this one is this - most drug related mental health problems, especially the ones related to cocaine and crack use, go away once the drug has been stopped.  I guess there are always going to be exceptions to this, but I wondering whether there might be an underlying problem.  

Who is monitoring your Paxil?  I would suggest that you speak to your medical practitioner or psychiatrist.  The symptoms you are talking about could be a result of a number of things such as anxiety, bi-polar disorder or a problem with the medication.  However, these kinds of things need to be assessed properly.  I really encouraged you to speak to someone.  It may be that you are just readjusting to 'straight' life again, but it could be something a bit more serious.  

It is really great to hear that you are doing so well.  Stay in touch!

Jacqui

PS.  Please don't refer to yourself as 'brain damaged'.  It is bad enough that society gives you a hard time about your drug use.  You must be a really strong and smart woman to have got through what you have got through.