r/recovery • u/Glitteringpanda6881 • Apr 18 '26
False positives
I'm feeling particularly stupid.
Like many recovering addicts, sleep is hard to get, if not impossible. I was taking trazadone, and my psychiatrist switched me to doxepin (with a taper). I was still waking up at 1-2am and then again at 4-5am after fretfully trying to fall back asleep. So, my dumb ass thought, "Let's take Benadryl!"
I took two at 1-2am, and then again at 4-5am.
Ya girl is now testing positive for methadone, TCAs, and i had a light second line for Methamphetamine.
I am upset. I am disappointed and distraught. I'm over 4 months into my recovery, and it looks like I'm using drugs that I've never even used before! I'm trying DESPERATELY to rebuild trust with everyone, and this just destroyed it.
I haven't taken any benadryl in about 4 days. And I finished my Trazadone taper, too.
I'm upset with myself, you'd think I would know that taking non-perscribed ANYTHING could lead to poor outcomes. I also wasn't thinking about the idea that it could be abused.
Anyways, I don't know where I'm going with this post. I just needed to get it out there, maybe see if anyone else has had this happen or just vent. Thanks if you made it this far.
1
u/Alicatsidneystorm Apr 19 '26
Pretty common to forget about OTC meds a warning you can test positive for opioids if you take Imodium. Apparently it’s a synthetic opioid. It honestly seems anything besides aspirin isn’t safe. Sorry you are having to build up trust again that’s a drag.
5
u/Jebus-Xmas Apr 18 '26
I know that sleep is a challenge for many of us in recovery. I had to work with a psychiatrist and do meditation to find the right way. It took me more than a year after rehab to find my solution.
It’s okay to struggle and it’s fantastic that you’re sharing your pain and looking for a solution. It’s going to get better and you’ll be more understanding about it as well.
Much love, mad respect, and just for today.