Expert: Hector Manuel Rodriguez - 2/18/2010

Question
I've been off of vicodin for about a 5 weeks now.  i used to take about 6-12 a day & got sick of being dependent on drugs to be able to get through the day.  i tried suboxone a few times (very small doses) and it helps a bit but i dont want to trade one addiction for another.  i just want to feel normal again...like before i took pills.  i think my physical dependency is over with (nausea, constipation, headache, body ache & mood swings) but its having a horrible effect on my social life.  i dont look forward to anything.  im not as social as i used to be (on drugs or before them).  i dont want to get out of bed, see my friends, play with my dog...etc.  im not suicidal but i hate my friggin life & im sick of being bummed out all the time and i just wanted to know if this is normal?  have i ruined my brain chemistry perminantly?  im scared to take anti-depressants because from what i hear theyre addictive too.  oh yeah, i have no insurance so money is tight.  sorry to ask so many questions at once.  i just have so many.  thank you

Answer
Hello John!

Leaving addiction behind is a rocky road.
There are so many aspects of your life involved in addiction that you won't imagine.
If you think you are already over with the physical addiction, that is great.

What you are going through is very normal. You might be psychologically dependent to the drug without noticing it too much.

When we are addicts, our social life and coping skills are totally affected and most of the times we become isolated consciously or unconsciously.

Then, when we try to socialize in a sober way it becomes very hard.

You just have to practice in different drug free social settings.

At first do it with little exposure and leave the place.

Then , a little more exposure and leave until you feel comfortable in the company of others.

You may journal your experiences with people every time you go out.

If you still feel too shy, you may visit Narcotics Anonymous where you can talk freely of your addiction because everyone else will understand.

Don't panic, your symptoms will subside but you have to cooperate a bit.

I f you need further assistance, feel free to contact me anytime...

Sincerely yours,

Hector Manuel Rodriguez