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Addiction: Substance Abuse Community
This community is a place to share information and support with others who are trying to stop using drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco or other addictive substances. Discuss with others, the symptoms of addiction, addiction recovery, ways to quit like tapering and cold turkey, and withdrawal symptoms. If you are interested in general "chat", please visit our Addiction Social Community.
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Can I become addicted to painkillers at this rate of use?
by easyone, Dec 20, 2002 12:00AM
I have had to take vicoprofen for back and knee pain since August, 2001. I have taken one pill 4-5 times weekly. In September of this year, I had a total knee replacement. Since that time I have taken first percocet, and then lortab for pain. I currently have to take one lortab-10 almost daily. On very bad days I have to take two pills. I am concerned about becoming addicted not due to the amount of medication that I have to take, but due to the amount of time that I have been taking them. I am very careful not to take the medication until the pain is such that it occupies my entire focus. Since September, I have had a few days where I could manage the pain without any medication. I guess my question is, am I at risk of becoming addicted when I only take the medication as described? When I am able to go a day or two without the meds, I feel better overall so I am not experiencing any withdrawal symptoms without the medication. When the pain gets so severe, I have to take the meds to take the edge off the pain to function. Unfortunately, the pain medication also affects how I feel overall and while it does provide some relief for the pain, it makes me feel generally bad otherwise. I have been taking prescription pain medication for 16 months now, and don't know how much longer I'll need it. I just don't want to create a bigger problem than what I'm already trying to manage.
As you read through all the post and see stories of how many some people take you might think well I'm not addicted I don't take that many. For me there was a fine line I crossed and it cost me. I will have to take something as you or I can't function. So I made myself a promise I will not take more than 1 a day unless something is bad wrong. So far its day 7 and I've stuck to it and not taken any extra just because I hurt a little.
I wish I could not even take 1 but for me that's no option. Read the forum, make yourself a commintment and stick to it.
I played golf today for the first time in 5 weeks after my surgery and shot a 77 and did not take an ES. It was the first time in my 17 years of playing I did it without smoking, drinking or taking something. I'm not going to lie, after nine holes I was suck'n egg's and if I had brought one I would have taken it.
Without this forum I would not have had this minor accomplishment. Thank you all!
Teeitup!
We will be here when you are ready.
Rex
Read the forum when you can and it will help give strength you did not think you had!
Many people here are willing to give you personal email addresses if you'd like. Just ask and you'll be suprised how many are willing to help.
Good luck!
Teeitup!
I have gone from heavy use to clean for months, then back again, on and on. For me it will be a lifetime battle. But this forum has helped me 1) realize I'm not alone 2) People do care 3) There is a way to fight and win your life back 4) Never give up!
Right now I'm on the use after 5 months of clean. My world is go to work with 1 pill in my pocket and struggle through the day (need my wits about me at work,) then as soon as I get home - bamm --- 70-100mg hydro and I'm away from "it." Away from what I don't know, that's my struggle. I hate me right now. Like most I'm trying to figure out what "it" is. I pray I will someday figure it out before it does me in.
Anyway, welcome! Your amoungst people who understand.
Nod
This is Day 3 of no oxycontin. I was taking 160mg since August of last year. My doctor decided, suddenly to discontine writing prescriptions for me. I was frantic - especially reading all the post about how painful withdrawal can be.
The first day after the ANOUNCEMENT from the doc, I tapered down to 80mg. Then 60 mg. Then 20mg.
I feel pretty good, expect its hard to go to sleep. I haven't had any problems.
There is hope and the angels watch over all of us.
Peace
Nod - I like the term "it". Keep riding the roller coaster, I think it will be a lifetime battle for most of use.
Lostinga - Good job on cutting back!
Teeitup!
i can relate to everything you wrote.
all i can say is never give up hope.
we have all been through hell and more.
but life is always renewing itself.
things change. it will get better.
peace
mentioning your child shows you are doing
better than you give yourself credit for.
caring about another human being is love.
by the way i love you handle -thank you-
that is my daily mantra it reverberates
in my mind all day long.
im sure reading all the post is helping
more then you know.
peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!