Welcome to the hangover.

Detox takes (sometimes much) longer than most people think it should. In the meantime, your brain (and therefore, your emotions) will be erratic and somewhat demented, until a new, stable equilibrium develops.

About a year and a half after I stopped drinking (which went on for 4 years, with no days off), I noticed that colors appeared to be more vivid. I'm naturally a bit depressive; that issue also became more bearable, and much less intense. I don't imagine detox from narcotics is any less difficult. It may very well be worse.

If you don't mind using crude tools, there are supplements like melatonin, valerian root and 5-HTP, that some have found very useful for insomnia and jetlag. Costco sells a chewable SuperSleep tablet that seems pretty effective. Various things work differently, for some and not others.

There's an Australian addiction support forum online called hellosundaymorning that you may find helpful. Someone asked me to post my experience with quitting and abstinence there, because the person felt it may help others.

The cloud lifts eventually. You'll still have to find your purpose, but after the detox process is complete, life will not be so blurry and washed-out any more.

I share your struggle. Stay strong.... You can do it

Thanks guys. I didn't sleep at all last night but I do feel less alone, less hopeless.

Excercise! I swear it'll make all the difference. More energy, happiness and sweet, sweet sleep.

RE:
Anon on exercise

That really helps, too, but won't stop the insomniac episodes completely. Only 3 hours sleep last night make this an ultra-low-bandwidth Friday for me.

I highly recommend the daytox program at Vancouver Detox. It's a six week program, you pick your own hours and the support and friendships I got from there are priceless. Orientations are Monday 530-7 or Thursday am 10-11. We talk about these struggles and it really helps to have some tools as well as some understanding we aren't alone. Either way, good luck! It does get better!

Why don't you see a doctor and get yourself a prescription for a sleep aid. This day and age, there is so much available for you. You don't need to do this the hard way.

then great for you quitting them!
But cannabis will help you sleep, ease pain & depression, and cure cancer, and isn't physically addictive.

Sure people will say "But it's psychologically addictive!"
EVERYTHING can be psychologically addictive so don't blame the plant.
If you're an "all or nothing" individual, then apologies, I realize it must suck having an addictive personality and not being able to moderate.

And again, congrats on getting clean of any hard drugs!

I echo the previous commentator's advice. Marijuana has done wonders for me in my previous detox struggles. It still takes a long time as nomad states. However, Pot has - for me anyway - made the journey much more bearable. An easing off feeling rather than always thinking I was going over the cliff. Just keep in mind it's not for everyone. If you are willing to try it, there a number of dispensaries - we see them popping up everywhere nowadays. I prefer the BC Compassion Club on Commercial Drive. Get your physician to sign the application. The best thing my doc ever did for me. And it was HIS idea! :-)

Good luck my friend. You are not alone. I understand how it feels. It does indeed get better.

I echo J.M.T.'s comment. I have never gone through any kind of detox or withdrawal period, but surely trading one illicit drug for the other, can't be the way to go.

See a doctor, get a prescription for sleeping pills, and get some rest.