Can anyone help me? - Addiction & Recovery Message Board

1971-jay · 07-14-2007, 01:24 PM

Hi,
Im an ex drug addict and *think* im suffering from depression. I'm hoping someone out there can help and tell me if I am or not.

Ive been a drug user since I was 16, I am now 36, I used/abused most drugs in this time, from tipex thinners to ecstacy to crack and heroin but I am now free from all street drugs, I am on a prescribed drug called Subutex that is used to wein me off heroin. I have been on Subutex now for 2 years.

My problem now is I have no life at all, I dont mix with other people too well, I over think about what to talk about which causes me to stumble my words when I do have something to say but mostly I can't think of anything to talk about and I answer most questions with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. I am sooooo self concious its doing my head in. I dont think its anxiety Im suffering because I dont get the sweaty palms/heart palpetations. I am such a negative thinker. I eat pretty well but my sleep is quite bad - I find it hard to get asleep at night but I dont overly lay in in the mornings.

I wish I could just go and get a job and lead a normal life for a change like a normal person.

Am I depressed? Is there anyone else who are getting the same bad feelings as me? Is it a chemical imbalance in my brain that can be treated? If so with what?
Thanks, Jason

flintrock · 07-14-2007, 01:45 PM

You certainly could be depressed. Depression is very common for addicts getting clean. Go see your doctor and describe how you're feeling. You should be on top of the world with all you have conqured...I am very proud of you!! Get to the doc and get this taken care of...you'll be amazed how could you can feel.................and will feel..................good luck.

kuk07 · 07-14-2007, 01:49 PM

First congratulations on being off of all of those addictive substances!! Yes it sounds like you could be depressed, or even a combination of any number of mood disorders. This is common with people who have stopped doing addictive drugs. I would find a psychiatrist they specialize in this sort of thing and can prescribe medication if needed. Addiction recovery is a long road and this is the part of it. The brain goes through all kinds of changes, maybe you needed to isolate yourself to stay addiction free, but you can relearn social skills and get back in the swing. Interacting with people will help, force yourself to get out and do something, volunteer or get another job, anything around non-drug using people will help. Best of luck.
Jake

1971-jay · 07-14-2007, 03:33 PM

Thanks very much to you both for replying.

Ive always thought I was depressed but my doctor either doesn't think that or he is worried about putting me on anti deppresants with my addictive nature but I need to get this fixed because I really don't want to get back on the drugs. My doctor prescribed me with beta blockers which hasn't done anything for me which I shall tell him when I see him next week, I will ask him if anti depressants would be better for me and if I don't get any help I will ask if he can put me in touch with a psychiatrist.

Thanks again, all the best, Jason.

kuk07 · 07-14-2007, 03:44 PM

Good luck Jason,
Sometimes people don’t realize just how debilitating depression can be. It can take away all quality of life. Finding a doctor who understands this might help. Your doctor might think you are just down, but anyone who experienced true depression knows that it can take over your life and make you feel like everything is pointless. Just remember it is a chemical imbalance making you feeling this way and it can be corrected. Force yourself to go for a walk the change in scenery will help. Then find a doctor who can help. My Best.
Jake