I have the answer to your question and I'm sorry to say the answer is no. Things get better after sobriety, but not as much as you are expecting. This is an amazing article that tells you everything you need to know about whats going on in your life (or any other long-term opiate addict). For those people who aren't addicted to opiates yet, I suggest you read this and
LEARN from it:
------ "To make a successful recovery, the addict needs new tools in order to deal with situations and problems which arise. Factors such as encountering someone from their days of using, returning to the same environment and places, or even small things such as smells and objects trigger memories which can create psychological stress. This can hinder the addict's goal of complete recovery, thus not allowing the addict to permanently regain control of his or her life.
Almost all addicts tell themselves in the beginning that they can conquer their addiction on their own without the help of outside resources. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case. When an addict makes an attempt at detoxification and to discontinue drug use without the aid of professional help, statistically the results do not last long. Research into the effects of long-term addiction has shown that substantial changes in the way the brain functions are present long after the addict has stopped using drugs. Realizing that a drug addict who wishes to recover from their addiction needs more than just strong will power is the key to a successful recovery. Battling not only cravings for their drug of choice, re-stimulation of their past and changes in the way their brain functions, it is no wonder that quitting drugs without professional help is an uphill battle.
With Such Severe Side Effects, Why are so Many People Becoming Addicted to OxyContin?
OxyContin is a powerful painkiller with analgysic capacity equal to heroin. It acts on the part of the brain cells in an identical fashion as endorphins, our natural “feel good” neuro-hormones. Therefore, any pain is reduced or eliminated, even feelings as minor as social discomfort and boredom, or more severe problems like; anxiety and depression or headaches are relieved.
These most common human frustrations are temporarily relieved, but when they return, the body is no longer equipped with its natural resilience, leaving the person to feel the need more opiates. When the endorphins are replaced with larger quantities of a similar chemical, you feel happiness and euphoria that is usually reserved for the most thrilling moments in our lives. These “highs” have been described as similar to feelings that are associated with major accomplishment, like graduation, weddings and other equally momentous occasions.
The absence of opiates after artificially inducing these feelings is extremely dehumanizing and leads one to seeking instant gratification which is found by taking more of the same or other drugs. The long-term effect of being addicted to opiates and especially OxyContin, requires extensive physical detoxification and the lengthy process of rekindling a person’s enthusiasm to find enjoyment in a drug-free life. Finding artificially induced enthusiasm will leave anyone depressed when the inducing drug is removed.
Given the consequences of opiate addiction and the strength of this opiate painkillers, they should be reserved for intractable pain from cancer and surgeries and never seen as a drug of choice or “recreation”. The pain and personal suffering that is seen from opiate addiction cannot be taken lightly."
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Anti-depressants are prescribed for these situations. I'd give them a shot if I were you. Your body cant make you feel the way you want to feel anymore. Your brain needs a little support from here on out.
Heres the link to my reading:
http://www.rehab-drug.net/oxycontin.html
