Side Effects of Saying No to Drugs
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I want to have an open and honest conversation about something that often goes unspoken. I want to talk about the people who have made the courageous decision to step away from drug use.
When you’ve been hooked in the vicious cycle of addiction for years, watching it unravel your life, disrupt your family and your relationships, hindered your productivity, and take a toll on your physical and mental well-being, it can feel like a never-ending struggle.
Regardless of what led you to take that first hit, sending you down the rabbit hole, freeing yourself from that cycle takes a great ordeal of willpower and a big WHY for you to muscle up the courage to push through.
Your motivation, your big why could stem from a desire to reclaim your own well-being, the feeling of having no control over your life, or the pain of hurting those closest to you.
Whatever your driving force may be, it takes great bravery to make the decision to get clean, and you have to remember that.
For that reason, those who have fought this battle and those that are still fighting, I want to give you your flowers. You made that choice, and that’s something worth recognizing.
And, if you’re struggling to make the decision to quit, I hope this gives you courage.
If you’re trying but you’ve stumbled along the way, that’s okay too! Progress isn’t always linear, and every step forward counts, no matter how small. They say the light bulb was invented after 1000 unsuccessful attempts. So, keep trying.
Often, when we hear stories of overcoming addiction, the narrative is always something like…
“He struggled for years, hit rock bottom, lost everything, but eventually found his way back to sobriety! Now he’s — **something synonymous to larger than life**”
[Cue the patronizing applause and nods of approval.]
These ‘overcomer’ stories are very straight line, very linear. But that’s not how it actually plays out, is it?
While it’s heartening to know that you’ve made it this far on your journey, it’s equally important to acknowledge the ongoing challenges you face even after quitting.
It’s as if the mikes drop once the applause for your sober milestone dies down. They don’t want to hear the story. As if that part isn’t important!
But the reality is, the journey wasn’t straight forward. The withdrawal symptoms, the emotional ups and downs, the battle against the occasional depressive whispers to do it “…just one last time,” — these are all part of the uphill battle too.
And for that reason, I am appealing to you. The person that needs an ear, wanting to see this narrative being shared, and highlights to the testimonials about the side effects of drug withdrawal and the realities of life after quitting.
To: Those of you bravely navigating the path to sobriety,
We acknowledge your strength.
Now that you’ve taken that monumental step, what comes next?
What Do You Feel?
- Physical Exhaust
Your body has grown accustomed to the constant rush of dopamine (the ‘feel good’ hormone) during drug use, so when you abruptly stop, it can leave you feeling drained, in a slummed state of fatigue and lacking in energy. Sweating, shaking, tingling sensations, and muscle cramps are common withdrawal symptoms experienced after abuse of muscle relaxers and opiates.
- Emotional Instability and a Lack of Enthusiasm
Mood swings are expected during the course of withdrawal, especially from substances like alcohol. Many individuals experience pronounced fluctuations in mood, grappling with the demands of recovery and the emotional toll of sobriety. Depressive states and heightened stress levels are also common, leaving individuals feeling depleted of energy and struggling to engage in daily activities or maintain focus.
- Cravings or “The Munchies”
After drug abuse, persistent cravings and unhealthy eating habits may arise as the body adjusts to the absence of the addictive substance.
- Social withdrawal
Withdrawal from substance abuse often affects how individuals interact with those around them. Social activities may lose their appeal as individuals experience overwhelming energy deletion and fluctuating moods. It’s challenging to quit using and maintain a social presence — this can lead to feelings of irritability and frustration.
- Anxiety
Anxiety is a common symptom of drug withdrawal, both mentally and physically. People affected by anxiety may experience fear, nervousness, confusion, restlessness, increased heart rate, hyperventilation, and muscle tremors. While temporary bouts of anxiousness are normal, persistent anxiety symptoms can interfere with day-to-day function and require intervention.
- Insomnia
Having trouble sleeping is also of high expectancy with drug withdrawal. Sleep disturbances, interrupted sleep, and nightmares are common as the body seeks to recalibrate its internal balance without the influence of drugs.
Social Changes You’ll Experience
- Peer Pressure
Imagine you’ve mustered the courage to break free from drugs and embrace a life of clarity and sobriety. But suddenly, you’re bombarded with offers from well-meaning friends who can’t seem to understand this decision.
“Come on, just one hit won’t hurt,” they’ll say.
It can be tough, but remember, you are the captain of your own ship. Stand firm in your decision and don’t be afraid to set boundaries.
- A Reshuffle of your Social Circle : Finding Your New Tribe
As you commit to sobriety, you may notice shifts in your friend circles. Some will cheer you on, offering their support and encouragement.
Others—
They may struggle to understand your newfound commitment. And that’s okay!
But you owe it to yourself to be around people who will uplift and inspire you, even if it means letting go of toxic relationships that no longer serve you.
Remember, true friends will always support your growth and evolution.
And in the true spirit of supporting your growth and sobriety, I want to introduce you to a natural euphoria that can help with improving your sleep, increasing your energy levels, reducing anxiety, and enhancing your mood.
This eurphoria is known as Kratom…
Word of mouth is the best testimonial…
Personally, I’ve found that incorporating this herb into my daily routine has helped me stay on track with my sobriety goals and drastically improved my social skills, Kratom has been a life saver!
Saying goodbye to substance comes with its fair share of challenges, but with a little bit of humor, a whole lot of determination, and the support of your loved ones, you’ll be okay.
Take back control of your life.
Do it for you —
BECAUSE YOU ARE WORTH IT!
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