Struggling with Memory Issues and Anxiety After Substance Abuse

Question #28695

45 days ago

104

Struggling with Memory Issues and Anxiety After Substance Abuse - #28695

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انا خريج كلية الطب والجراحه عانيت من ادمان لمختلف انواع المخدرات لمدة ١٠ سنوات وآخر ادمان كان ادمان الحشيش تركته قبل ٩ سنوات ولقد تعودت على المذاكرة بالترامادول والبريقابلين وجربت الميثامفيتامين لمدة ٣ شهور قبل ٣ سنوات الان تركت كل شي قبل ٩ شهور اعاني الان من مشاكل في الذاكرة ونسيان شديد في المذاكرة اسماء اشخاص اماكن ولدي انفصال عن الواقع وزغللة في العيون وحول وصداع شديد جدا في الصدغ والجبهة ولكن بصورة رئيسية في العين الشمال والصدغ الشمال اعاني من شد في عضلات البطن والتنفس بدرجة مؤلمه ولا اقدر ع المذاكرة قلق و وسواس قهري شديد جدا في المذاكرة لدرجه فكرت اترك الطب ولكن لا خيار لدي عدم تركيز جدا وقلق اجتماعي شديد ونسيان شديد ومشاكل في الذاكرة

How long have you been experiencing these memory issues?:

- More than 6 months

On a scale from 1 to 10, how severe is your anxiety when studying?:

- 10 (extreme)

Have you sought any professional help for these issues?:

- No, but planning to

300 INR (~3.53 USD)

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Doctors' responses

Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

44 days ago

persistent memory problems, severe difficulty concentrating, feelings of detachment from reality, intense anxiety and obsessive thoughts during studying, along with headaches and physical tension—after about 9 months of stopping substance use are most consistent with post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) combined with significant anxiety and obsessive-compulsive features, which can occur after long-term use of substances like tramadol, pregabalin, and methamphetamine; although these symptoms can be very distressing, they are often reversible with proper treatment, and it is strongly recommended that you seek help from a psychiatrist for a structured plan that may include cognitive behavioral therapy and medications such as SSRIs to help with anxiety and OCD symptoms, along with supportive measures like good sleep, gradual cognitive rehabilitation, and stress management, as recovery in such cases is typically gradual but achievable with consistent care.

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat

I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.

44 days ago

Hello
Thank you for sharing your story, Raihan. You’ve been through a lot, and it’s understandable that you’re facing these challenges after quitting drugs. Many of the symptoms you describe—memory problems, detachment from reality, headaches, muscle tension, difficulty breathing, anxiety, and OCD—can be linked to both past substance use and ongoing mental health struggles.
### What’s Happening?
- Memory and concentration issues are common after long-term drug use, especially with substances like tramadol, pregabalin, and methamphetamine. The brain needs time to heal, but sometimes these problems persist.
- Detachment from reality (depersonalization), blurred vision, and headaches can be symptoms of anxiety, stress, or even withdrawal effects.
- Muscle tension and difficulty breathing are often linked to anxiety and stress.
- Severe anxiety and OCD can make studying and daily life very difficult.
### What Can Help?
1. Mental health support: Seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist is important. Therapy (like CBT) can help with anxiety, OCD, and memory issues. Medication may be considered if symptoms are severe.
2. Neurological evaluation: A neurologist can check for any lasting effects on your brain from past drug use, especially if headaches and vision problems are severe.
3. Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, healthy diet, good sleep, and stress management can help your brain recover.
4. Social support: Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can be very helpful.
### Next Steps
- Please reach out to a mental health professional for a full assessment. They can help you develop a plan to manage your symptoms and support your recovery.
- If you ever feel overwhelmed or unable to cope, let someone close to you know and seek help immediately.
You’re not alone, and recovery is possible—even if it feels slow.
Thank you

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Dr. Nikhil Chauhan

I am currently working as a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at Graphic Era Medical College & Hospital, Dehradun. It's a role that keeps me on my toes, honestly. I handle a pretty wide range of urology cases—stones, prostate issues, urinary tract obstructions, infections, you name it. Some are straightforward, others way more complex than you expect at first glance. Every patient walks in with a different story and that’s what keeps the work real for me. Kidney transplant surgery, though, that’s a whole different zone. You’re not just working on anatomy—you’re dealing with timelines, matching, medications, family dynamics, emotional pressure... and yeah, very precise coordination. I’m part of a team that manages the entire transplant process—from evaluation to surgery to post-op care. Not gonna lie, it’s intense. But seeing someone who’s been on dialysis for years finally get a new shot at life—there’s nothing really like that feeling. In the OR, I’m detail-focused. Outside of it, I try to stay accessible—patients don’t always need answers right away, sometimes they just need to feel heard. I believe in walking them through what’s going on rather than just giving reports and instructions. Especially in transplant cases, trust matters. And clear, honest conversation helps build that. Urology itself is such a misunderstood field sometimes. People ignore symptoms for years because it feels “awkward” or they think it’s not serious until it becomes unmanageable. I’ve had patients who came in late just because they were embarassed to talk about urine flow or testicular pain. That’s why I also try to make the space judgment-free—like whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, whether I’m scrubbing in for surgery or doing OPD rounds, I just want to make sure what I do *actually* helps. That the effort’s not wasted. And yeah, some days are frustrating—some procedures don’t go clean, some recoveries take longer than they should—but I keep showing up, cause the work’s worth doing. Always is.

43 days ago

أهلاً بك.
أنا دكتور نيكيل تشوهان — أخصائي مسالك بولية، لكن سأوجهك بناءً على الأعراض الواضحة التي تعاني منها.
بحسب ما ذكرته، هذه أهم النقاط:
· تاريخ إدمان طويل:
١٠ سنوات إدمان متنوع، وآخرها الحشيش قبل ٩ سنوات، والترامادول والبريجابالين، والميثامفيتامين قبل ٣ سنوات.
الابتعاد عن كل شيء منذ ٩ أشهر — هذه خطوة عظيمة، تستحق التقدير.
· الأعراض الحالية (أكثر من ٦ أشهر):
· مشاكل شديدة في الذاكرة والنسيان (أسماء، أماكن، مذاكرة).
· انفصال عن الواقع، زغللة، حول، صداع شديد (الصدغ الأيسر والعين اليسرى).
· شد عضلي بالبطن وصعوبة في التنفس بشكل مؤلم.
· قلق شديد جداً (١٠/١٠) عند المذاكرة، وسواس قهري، رهاب اجتماعي، وعدم تركيز.
· السبب الأكثر ترجيحاً:
هذه الأعراض نموذجية لـ آثار الاستخدام المطول للمواد (Substance-Induced Neurocognitive Disorder) مع اضطراب القلق والوسواس، وقد يكون هناك أيضاً صداع نصفي (Migraine) أو توتر عضلي مزمن نتيجة القلق والانسحاب المتأخر.
· الخطوة الأولى والأهم:
· تحتاج إلى زيارة طبيب نفسي (Psychiatrist) متخصص في اضطرابات الإدمان والقلق.
· إجراء فحص بالرنين المغناطيسي للدماغ (MRI Brain) لاستبعاد أي سبب عضوي، خصوصاً مع وجود حول وزغللة وصداع موضعي.
· فحص وظائف الغدة الدرقية وفيتامين B12 وفيتامين D — لأن نقصها يزيد النسيان والقلق.
· نصائح فورية:
· لا تذاكر تحت ضغط شديد — قسم المذاكرة إلى فترات قصيرة جداً (٢٠ دقيقة ثم راحة).
· التنفس العميق (الزفير أطول من الشهيق) يساعد في تقليل شد العضلات والقلق.
· أنت لست وحدك، ومع العلاج الدوائي والسلوكي تتحسن هذه الأعراض بشكل كبير.
أنت خريج كلية الطب — هذا يعني أن لديك الوعي الكافي أن تطلب المساعدة فوراً. لا تتردد.
Dr. Nikhil Chauhan
Urologist

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Dr. Bharat Joshi

I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.

44 days ago

Hello dear
As per clinical history it seems anxiety issues only.
Please follow them for atleast two months
Do physical exercise atleast half an hour daily for 5 months
Do meditation
Take good balanced diet for good health
Engage in social media
Indulge in hobbies like reading and writing
Avoid overthinking
Avoid junk food and alcohol/ smoking
Set your goals for every day
Hopefully improvement will occur
In case of no improvement in 2 month consult psychiatrist in person for better clarity
Regards

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Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

44 days ago

Hello
You have been off all substances for about 9 months, which is a very important achievement after many years of use. The symptoms you describe—memory problems, poor concentration, anxiety, feeling detached from reality, headaches around the left eye/temple, and muscle tension—are commonly seen during recovery after long-term substance use, especially with drugs like Tramadol, Pregabalin, and Methamphetamine. They can also be worsened by severe anxiety, obsessive thoughts, sleep disturbance, and burnout from intense studying.
The good news is that brain function often continues to recover for 12–24 months after stopping substances. Many people notice gradual improvement in memory and focus over time, especially when anxiety and sleep are treated. However, your severe headaches on one side with visual symptoms and eye deviation should be medically evaluated to rule out neurological or eye-related causes.
What you should do next is seek a professional assessment rather than trying to push through alone. A doctor may recommend basic tests such as brain imaging (MRI), vitamin B12, thyroid function, blood sugar, and a mental health evaluation for anxiety/OCD. Treatment—sometimes therapy, sometimes medication—can significantly improve concentration and reduce the sense of detachment and panic while studying.
Most importantly, your symptoms do not mean permanent brain damage, and many medical professionals in recovery successfully return to full cognitive performance with proper support. The fact that you stopped substances and are planning to seek help is a strong positive sign.
Thank you

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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

43 days ago

Given your history of substance abuse and the severe symptoms you’ve described, it’s crucial to assess these issues thoroughly with a healthcare professional. Memory problems, anxiety, and headaches can be complex to untangle, especially with previous drug use. Several things could be happening, some related to past substance use and others possibly unrelated. The lingering cognitive issues might be influenced by substances’ lasting effects, but also, anxiety and obsessive thoughts can disrupt memory and concentration on their own. It’s important to have a comprehensive neurological and psychiatric evaluation to identify what’s going on. This involves a detailed history and potentially imaging studies like an MRI to rule out structural causes of headaches and blurred vision. Blood tests can also check for deficiencies or hormonal imbalances that might contribute to cognitive dysfunction.
For the anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms impairing your study, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is well-recognized as effective. You should explore this with a trained therapist as part of an integrated care plan. The intensity of your symptoms might also warrant medication; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other agents may be beneficial, but must be prescribed by a psychiatrist aware of your full drug history. Addressing lifestyle factors is key too; ensure a routine of adequate sleep, balanced diet, and moderate exercise, since lifestyle can significantly impact mental wellness. Be aware of the need for a supportive environment; connect with a trusted support group or friends to discuss challenges. It’s crucial not to attempt self-medication, especially given your previous addiction issues. If symptoms suddenly worsen or if new severe ones appear, it’s vital to seek immediate medical consultation, as some conditions could potentially be serious or require urgent interventions. Any deviations from your baseline should always be discussed promptly with healthcare providers.

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