Hey! Congrats!

Have a look at this one

http://heroinjunkie.blogspot.com/2010/12/dealing-with-post-acute-withdrawal.html

and google PAWS [post acute withdrawl syndrome].

I've followed my brother's fight and insomnia was a tough one..
He used to compain a lot about it..

You have to keep in mind though that your body needs time to recover. Have faith that everything will be OK. Focus on your goal. Faith can move mountains!

Good luck!!!!

Pen, I went to that website.. what a find! Good short stories to read.. I hope they are all true and not making it up..
pensocolian, there is no real answer for you... could be 6 months could be longer. I'm 22 yrs clean and still think about it because it was such a hugh part of my life. 20 yrs of using heroin, 22 yrs of not using, but I still think about "it" . Not using - but "it". Peace, feather

Hi, Pen. My son was in severe withdraws (after his last) use for 72 hours, peaking at the worst from 36 to the 72 hour mark. I haven't heard any cases of taking longer than 72 hours, as far as the severe vomiting, diarrhea, shakes, chills and shakes. It took a solid week or two after that first step of detox before his pains started subsiding. That was actually his worst complaint through the process ... severe pain, especially in his back.

I'm happy to say that he's doing MUCH better now. He's getting out of an inpatient program tomorrow, after being there 45 days. Am I still scared for his life? You betcha! His journey of a lifetime change has just begun. Much love and support to you Pen.

Oh ... to answer your question haha ~ sorry ~ what helped his pain the most is LOTS of hot showers, massages, walking around when he was able, and some advil or motrin, OTC meds. NO OPIATE pain killers, please.

when i withdrew from heroin i enjoyed hot showers and that was about it. It sucks and you dont sleep for about a week very well but once its all over you feel so great and a new person.

It's definately not made up, I wrote it! :)

Be strong and don't give in this to shall pass and remember the pain and discomfort you experience do u don't have the need to go back to that bondage

YAY TO YOU FOR GETTING CLEAN! ARE YOU ATTENDING ANY NA MEETINGS?

The first three days are the worst because that is how long it takes for the body to rid itself of all of the metabolites. After that the biggest struggle is the mental aspect. It takes months to years for the brain to recover depending on the length of use. I used for several years and then finally was able to quit. I have been sober from opiates for about 14 months and I still struggle with alcohol/gambling. I definitely don't ever look around for opiates or even really talk about them anymore. I remember how pathetic It felt constantly texting and calling people in search of a couple pills to numb my brain for only a day... this really sticks with me. Opiate use is a very shameful experience and that is the biggest reason why I had no problem walking away for good.