ADDICTED?

I have been taking loratabs for about 2 years.  First for a neck injury, then back pain.  I have been diog. with fibromyalga (fibromyalgia) (spelling???) I take 1 sometimes 2 a day of the 5's.  How do you know when you need them for the pain and when you are just addicted?

[Lotsatrout]

Well.....  can you go for more than a day or two without taking any?  I mean without feeling like you "need" them?  5-10mgs is a very low dosage so I think I would be inclined to say that you may be on the dependent side but addicted?  It's hard to say.  

Our bodies become dependent on the meds especially after 2 years and I'm sure that you are somewhat dependent on them but addiction is most typically associated or diagnosed by "addictive behavior" such as, taking more than your prescribed amount.  Going through your Rx to fast, getting them from "shady" sources etc....  If you do not display any signs of this type of behavior, more than likely you are not addicted but I can't see how you wouldn't be "dependent" after 2 years of use.  

Hope that helps a little anyway.  :)

Trout

[GoingToMakeIt]

The main difference is an addict abuses them. Takes more than needed and maybe more often then prescribed. An addict may also chew or snort them for a faster drug level. You can still be dependent and not be an addict. Opiates create a dependence. If you don't take them you will not feel well. A dependent person will still have withdrawals. Generally, a dependent person is able to stay off of them when they quit. Are you still needing them? Are you aware that the body will produce pain to get the meds? I am not saying that all the pain is made up.
   Are you thinking about getting off of them?

[Jacqui805]

Everyone is rightr.  You are dependant for sure just from the length of time you've taken the meds, but not necessarily addicted.  If you take a pill not because of the pain, or if you take a pill (an extra) at an unscheduled time, or just upped the dose on your own, these are signs of addiction.  If you crave the drug or would like to get your hands on more if you could, again addiction.  If you take a pain med for even past 10 days, your body will be quite minimally dependant already, you'll notice usually because you won't get the same relief you did in the beginning.  Dependancy is to be expected with long-term use.  When it's time to come off, make sure you wean either through the help of a medical professional, or on your own, just don't stop cold turkey.

[rgjones]

Yes I would love to come off of them.  But I am in so much pain by noon. Someone please tell my what to do.

[Lotsatrout]

rg....  I'm in the same position.  I would love to be narcotic free but the pain that I experience when I'm off the meds is excrutiating.  From time to time I get to experience what my pain level really is and that's when I run out of meds.  I have went up to a month without any and it is at times unbearable.  

How about this?  What if you were to take a week off of the pills and really evaluate what your pain level is?  I'm not talking after a day or two.  Take a week or two, detox and get all the meds out of your system and then see where you stand.  One of two things are going to happen.  (A) Either you're going to find that your pain really is tolerable and you don't need pain meds or (B) you're going to find that you really do need to take them.  I know it sounds simple but it is very easy to "get lost" in our using that we really do need to re-evaluate from time to time....

Just a thought.....

Trout

[rgjones]

Thank you so much, it is so nice to talk with some one that understands....and that is not going to judge. I am going to take your advise. Just gotta pick a date. huh oh lord that sound awful.  I can't believe I have gotten to this point.

[GoingToMakeIt]

Getting off to evaluate the pain is a good idea. Just remember, weeks later the body can still increase it's pain levels to get the drugs. It takes time for the mental to go away.

[Summer123]

I think it's hard, if not impossible to evaluate how the pain level is while you are on the meds.  I was on them for 12 years for pain and never took more than prescribed.  It wasn't until I was off of them that I could honestly assess my pain level.  While my pain level is still pretty high, I can't honestly say that it is higher now than while on the meds.  If anything, it is lower now.  I think after a while on the opiates, your body quits producing natural endorphins to help fight the pain.  After you go off, the body starts producing them again.

[mr.lucky66]

It doesn't sound like you are addicted. It sounds like pain. You have to ask yourself the tough question if you can do without it while checking out alternitives. There is no right or wrong answer, only what's best for you.