how long does it take to enjoy people's company again?

[†∆†]

hello-

ever since i've decided to stop using stimulants, the time i've spent seeing
my friends has felt incredibly dull; i sit there feeling like i couldn't care less
about what people are saying. i hate feeling so disconnected, that's always what
triggers me to buy drugs again. when i don't have my cocaine/amphetamines
I just don't care about anyone, everything feels incredibly boring!

since I'm young and don't have as much experience as many people on the site,
I was wondering if any recovering addicts can tell me what they've experienced with this, and if they were able to enjoy their friends' company again. Did it ever happen?
If so, how long did it take, and what helped you?

Thanks so much.

 

[n3ophy7e]

The brain's recovery after drug use/abuse greatly varies from each person to the next, so it's hard to say exactly how long it will take for you to feel more sociable again. But socialising is something that can take practice, so the more you do it, the more comfortable you will feel with socialising and the easier it will become.

Do any of your friends know about your coke/amps addiction? Maybe you could try talking to one of your most trusted friend about how you're feeling. It could help just to have someone else aware of the difficulties you're having with socialising now that you're sober.

 

[†∆†]

Do any of your friends know about your coke/amps addiction? Maybe you could try talking to one of your most trusted friend about how you're feeling. It could help just to have someone else aware of the difficulties you're having with socialising now that you're sober.

they have all, for the most part, quit using coke. there was a point in my life where almost all of my friends, (and i have a pretty big group of them) were using coke pretty heavily even though most of us are still in school.

i feel like they're looking down on me for being the only one still using, adding shame into the mix is making things even worse.

 

[n3ophy7e]

Yeah I can understand how that makes you feel.
But really, you're all in the same boat. You know for a fact that they've all been through what you're currently experiencing, so they're actually more likely to understand the boredom and difficulty socialising that you're going through. What do you think?

 

[BrahamCracker]

ive been clean for a year and still feel that way about 40 % of the time. Im battling depression though, maybe you are too?

 

[Legerity]

Did you feel comfortable in social situations before you started using stimulants? I was exactly the same....I needed stimulants to to feel comfortable interacting with people and to enjoy socializing. So when I stopped I had to start learning how to be comfortable without them because I had never been able to do so before. I'm still not fully comfortable to be honest but it's a hell of a lot better than before, so just be patient and give yourself time to get used to social interaction that isn't fueled by amphetamines/cocaine.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Being social is about being comfortable with yourself and thus wanting to show the person who you are. You communicate your thoughts etc and if you are happy with this you will usually hang around with every man and his dog. Although sometimes you can be ignorant towards your own style of thinking.

I think the biggest issue which I had with people when I had social anxiety was looking at the differences rather than looking at the benefits of being a friend with someone. There is a lot to learn from everyone however there is a lot of bad to learn too when you're with the wrong crowd.

Hope this helps.

 

[†∆†]

Did you feel comfortable in social situations before you started using stimulants? I was exactly the same....I needed stimulants to to feel comfortable interacting with people and to enjoy socializing. So when I stopped I had to start learning how to be comfortable without them because I had never been able to do so before. I'm still not fully comfortable to be honest but it's a hell of a lot better than before, so just be patient and give yourself time to get used to social interaction that isn't fueled by amphetamines/cocaine.

the thing is, before i used stimulants i was really comfortable with other people, super outgoing, generally well-liked. i normally have a very big personality. after stopping the cocaine i feel way less social than i was even before i started using. it sucks how i've regressed like this.

 

[theartofwar]

they have all, for the most part, quit using coke. there was a point in my life where almost all of my friends, (and i have a pretty big group of them) were using coke pretty heavily even though most of us are still in school.

i feel like they're looking down on me for being the only one still using, adding shame into the mix is making things even worse.

Recently meth has hit hard in my area and I find myself staying in more and more - I don't do well in that situation either bud . I try to remind myself and I'd recommend you also - remember exactly what you are being "judged" for not doing... you are putting your well being first, you are choosing to do right in your life. If thats to be looked down on - where are your friends going ? Stay up bro , you are making wise choices at a young age.

 

[erthqke]

I stopped using drugs for about three weeks a month or so ago.
Well, not all drugs just cocaine which I had a major problem with.
However, it wasn't until about the end of those three weeks when I started to want to hang out with people. I'm not saying I wasn't hanging out with people but I didn't WANT to.
I just wanted to go home, and sleep. I felt better over time although I'm using again but it's just time and it's different for everybody.