How Chaos Contributes to Opiate Detox
You’ve gotten through the roughest parts of opiate detox. You’re at home and you continue on your maintenance schedule according to the treatment plan that you’ve created with your doctor. You get up every morning and take your medication, be it Suboxone or methadone. If you have a job, then you head there and if you have small children, then you spend time with them. If not, maybe a meeting, out for coffee, take care of the house…. What are you supposed to do all day?
One of the problems with opiate detox is that it’s boring. I’ve heard so many people say that they ended up relapsing because they didn’t have anything to do. TV got old and they just weren’t getting any ideas about how to spend their time. The opportunity arose to get loaded, and so they did. This is where chaos comes in.
Chaos and Opiate Detox
It may seem counterintuitive, but just like you have to ingest some fats while you’re trying to lose weight, you also need a certain amount of chaos in your life in order to successfully navigate an opiate detox. Yes, you need to stay away from the negative elements and stressors that put you in a position to use in the first place, but you can’t bury yourself at home and hide for the rest of your life, either. Humans crave contact and contact breeds chaos. And a little chaos can help you fight off the boredom that may drive you to relapse.
Where to Find Chaos
Maybe a friend of yours is having issues with her boyfriend or husband and needs someone to listen. Maybe you have a niece or nephew who could use a little “auntie” time. You can always find someone who needs something at meetings, whether it’s advice, companionship or a ride somewhere. The point? Controlled chaos can help you take your mind off yourself, get you out of the house, appreciate your situation and your newfound sobriety.
How do you create balance in your life during opiate detox?
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May 17th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I joined a gym and I have found that it was very hard to make myself get out of the house, but I did it. I had to look at it like if I could make myself go and ge opiates then I could make myself get out and do something healthy for myself. One day at a time and one minute at a time during the day is how I live. I am finding it easier to go places and working out has really helped me. If going to a gym is not your thing then just try walking around your block a couple of times, the sun will bring up your serotonine level and you will actually feel better about yourself..Then you can say “I did it and it was all to make me feel better without opiates”.
May 18th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Yeah, it’s definitely not easy but when you get back, you have a feeling of accomplishment. It’s important to find things to feel good about, especially when you’re going it alone.
May 20th, 2008 at 2:09 am
The idea that “controlled” chaos could help take ones mind off their own thoughts is very true. In fact, part of the reason I began using opiates in the first place was due to a life that was “too” comfortable and predictable. Since I am not currently ready to go back to work full time, having someone or something that required me to get dressed and go out of the house would be very helpful.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:53 am
It’s tough to strike a balance: too much chaos and the stress can make you feel like using. Too little action and the boredom and depression can make you feel like getting loaded. But it’s important to feel needed and necessary and, well, happy. Getting out of your house and out of your head is one way to help that happen.