Depression after overcoming an addiction?

You are a step in the right direction and I'm glad that you have made the decision to stop your addiction. It is normal that coming off such a dependent can cause depression and withdraw but you just have to give yourself that time. Working too jobs can be stressful and if I may I would advise you to stick with one job for now and go to therapy or get help as well as anti deprressants to help with your depression and anger. Keep making positive movements! The new year brings forth new beginnings and a time for new a new life!

I'm here for support if needed

I believe that you may be right. My fiances brother was addicted to Oxycontin also. It is always terrible to see such bright, wonderful people be ruined by drug addictions. I'm so glad that you stopped, and I do believe that your previous addiction to OxyContin may be causing your depression. You were addicted to it and then you stopped cold turkey as you say. But you also have to take into account all of the stress that your under now. Your an intellegent young person, in college, working two jobs, you have alot on your plate, including a previous opiate addiction that you still think about.

My mother is actually clinically depressed and that is just because of all of the stress she has endured over the course of her adult life. She takes anti-depressants and tries to have a positive outlook on life. Please stay healthy and try to find hobbies and small stress relievers. You will feel better in no time I hope. Good luck, I'll pray for you, Have a merry Christmas and rest well and good luck in your life and College.

This happens and it's probably because the substance isn't there and your body has to get used to being dependent on itself rather than substance.

I know when I quit drugs (amphetamines) I just felt like ****. I mean it wasn't as bad as the hell on earth I call DETOX, but I still felt pretty shitty.

I didn't know how to function without drugs. I didn't know what the hell to do. I couldn't watch movies, because every movie made me think about getting high. No matter what I was doing... if I had to read or write or ****... I would think :"damn this would be a lot more interesting high"

I'm still not passed that stage, but it gets better.

You didn't give a clear time line, as to when you stopped Oxy, so I can't completely answer your question.

All I know is I have been clean for 8 months now and although there is much improvement I still take it one day at a time (I don't support NA, but don't discourage it either)

They say that most addictions are a result of various depressions anxieties, that one was self medicating. For e.g. a person smoking grass is self medicating.

There is a huge debate though, like the chicken or the egg. Did one drug because of depression or is one depressed after drug use ( and therefore chemical imbalances caused by drugs).

The best stop for you is to see a psychiatrist who understands addiction that can work this through with you.

I am in recovery 20 years, and I still suffer depression without chemical assistance (prescribed). But not every one is like me!

You might try antidepressants under supervision; be aware that they can also work or not depending on your unique chemistry so remember to be patient while trying possibly several to find the right one. Good for you, kicking the habit! It's easier not to be addicted to things. Some of your depression could also be the 2 jobs and school -- sounds like an overfilled plate!! Take care of yourself.

It's hard to know whether you have an organic depression that led you to your addiction, or whether your addiction caused your depression. However, regardless of how you arrived at this point, the fact is that you are now suffering from depression and need help. Please see a psychiatrist immediately.

My depression started lifting as I put time into Alcoholics Anonymous.

Addicts generally take drugs to self-medicate depression and other unbearable symptoms in the first place. When they quit, they're left with the bare emotions they couldn't stand in the first place.

I don't know how you have time to feel depression with your schedule, but I doubt it will go away on its own.

I don't remember it very well, I'm not sure whether she got over the drugs (whether Meth or what) or not in the book, but Go Ask Alice is a great true story about drug addiction. If you're older than 13 (I assume you are), read it, if not, it might be a bit innappropriate for you. But it is very hard-hitting and emotional.

Congratulations on saving your life!I agree with several replies written. The opiates changed your brain chemistry and helped 'mask' your feelings.

Now you don't have them to rely on--and these emotions are coming to the surface.

It is hard to deal with life on it's own terms, but it is the only way to go.

And I am in the Program and have seen hundreds of people save their own sanity and lives.

I think having an addictions counselor would be beneficial for you. You will be able to better understand what is going on--and help you wor through your emotions and feelings.

best wishes to you--and make this new year your best one yet! {{HUGS}}

a lot of addicts and alcoholics have a hard time saying goodbye to there drug of choice even though they know there better off with out it. an addict is an addict. Have you ever attended aa meetings? a lot of collages have info on them or you can get online and look them up in your area. opiates are one of the hardest things to detox from and are one of the most addicting drugs. Once your brain knows what it wants it wont stop craving it... its all about will power and it sounds like you've got a lot. good luck with everything!