PAWS questions

[Xn1919]

hey guys I'm back. after relapsing and being on a heroin binge for the past 6 months I have finally been able to get off opiates using a couple suboxone so I didn't cold turkey. well I am 7 days clean or maybe 8 im not 100% sure... anyways I am actually a stranger to PAWS. This is the first time I have been clean for a week than I can remember. Man I just cant get motivated to do anything... that's not my question ive read that. just giving a little history. I have been destroying opiates for 6-7 years also.. So questions:

Does smoking weed prolong PAWS?
Does Drinking Alcohol prolong PAWS?


I ask because to keep me busy I have pledged a frat, and everyone knows what I will be around. I have been to a couple parties there and I haven't used opiates but smoked and drink whiskey. I ask this because I do not want to do anything that will prolong this. its a chore to get outta bed, or go to class.

Sorry if this is already been asked I couldn't find it while searching.

Thanks =)
XN

 

[keyed]

IME drinking and smoking have had zero effect on PAWS. if that helps keep you off dope i say go for it! but yeah, shouldn't prolong PAWS at all.

and good luck man, it will get better every day (<---- typical i know lol, but true!). its a struggle but you're doin great!!!

 

[spacejunk]

^ agreed.
Cannabis works really well for PAWS and general post-detox cravings/boredom etc
I find that if I have a desire to use, pot changes my headspace. And doesn't mess with recovery IME.

Alcohol I don't know about, but so long as you don't replace one addiction for another (alcohol is physically addictive!) it should be ok

 

[Xn1919]

Thx guys.. im just wicked paranoid about something prolonging. I know I am being kind of selfish on wanting it to be over in a week or so but man im sooooooooo fuckin sick of being sick and tired! I know u guys know what I am talking about. ill try n stay away from the Wild Turkey and smoke smoke smoke =)

 

[herbavore]

There is PAWS and there is life and sometimes it can be difficult to separate the two and that is why I would be careful with both weed and alcohol. I'm not saying that either in moderation is going to be a problem but when you have been on H (or anything) for a long time, have become dependent or addicted, there are usually underlying causes for why it felt so necessary in the first place. Those causes, your deepest feelings about yourself and your life, need attending to or there is the distinct possibility that you will simply replace the DOC you just managed to get away from with something else that can obscure the painful feelings for a while. Get support for more than just staying off H; dealing with return of all those feelings and generally having to put your life back together can be so overwhelming. Do you have any possibility of seeing a counselor to help support you during this time?

 

[spacejunk]

^ best post, as usual.
Counselling has been the most helpful thing in coming off opiates for me.
Weed helped when I needed something, and mainly to keep me away from doing other, more harmful things.
Any support you can get increases the chance of staying off dope.