How many of us use pain as an excuse to use

I think A lot of us tend to use pain as an excuse to use ,it seems to be the biggest one .
There are some cases where you have to use  because it is impeding your ability to heal .
However most of the time it is moderate pain ,because we are soo used to popping pills for everything we have forgotten that there are other  methods we could try first.I know what I am going hear .. I cant afford PT or massage therapy or acupuncture or a Chiropractor . You have to make a choice how important is you sobriety to you?
I did this myself ,in august I had been clean since the first few days in April doing GREAT!!!! Healthy best shape of my life jogging eating great !!!! I had  root canal done they use a piece of metal to keep my jaw open . Well this set off a huge pain problem for me .For the first three weeks I tried aleve and tylenol..... I held out for three weeks. I can remember sitting there thinking well I have tried taking O C Ts
for three weeks ,so now I can take the pills again ,I sat there with a little smirk on my face . I never looked into any other way to fix the problems just pills ...I wanted to use .I could not admit then but I can now . About the second week into it I realize I threw everything I had worked for out the window to get high AGAIN. If you want to recover your going to have to stop using pain as your excuse to use and find alternatives measures. I said the in an earlier post today If you don't change anything nothing changes

[addictedme]

Your so right. I"ve had 4 back surgerys,the last just to aliviate pain and truthfully pills dont help that much. Pool therapy and other temporary ways of relief along with the acceptance that I WILL be in pain sometimes but whos not.No matter how great the pain though when the dr talks about pain pills its not pain relief I think about,,,its getting that buzz.

[BlotOutTheSun]

i agree totally with you, sometimes taking a pill is the easy way out of pain, last night i took 2 tylenol 3's for my back, but it was really hurting, ive held out 14 days without taking any pain meds, like you said i took every otc possible, i did hot baths, biofreeze, and anything else i could think of, then it was just so unbearable i had to take those t3's, they did help a little not much, but i definatley wasnt after a buzz, there is a thin line between legit pain and excuses, good luck avis youve been there for me evrytime ive needed you

[avisg]

To tell ya the thruth the three weeks I used did not do a damn thing for my pain either ,just made me high.

[avisg]

Like you said they really did not help.  definitely  look into alternative forms of relief ..There are still many out there to try.......

[marcatj]

you know, Dr. Drew said something the other night on celeb rehab that my new pain dr told me recently... after long term opiate use, you don't really know what your pain is anymore.  it changes your perception of the pain and you actually think it's alot worse than it is.  in other words, the pain meds after awhile "ramp up" your pain.

while i personally can't tell anyone what there pain really is (there are a some folks with serious chronic pain issues i won't judge,) if you have or have had a problem with pain meds in the past, you WILL have a problem in the future. and if you think your addicted - you are.  and unless you are really clean - for some time - you have no idea what your pain is, really.  it's a physiological fact.  so you'd be better served to try every pain management method there is so you can live a life without opiates ('cause if your an addict - it IS a downward spiral - for everyone.)

[avisg]

GREAT POST ,

[addictedme]

I remember the dr would give me a scrip of lortabs,,1 or 2 every 4 hours and I"d think "dam,I"m taking 4 or 5 every 3 hours and guess what,,,the pains still there.Chronic pain is ALWAYS so ya gotta be thankful for any relief even if its temporary and ya dont ruin your life being addicted to pool therapy or exercise.

[marcatj]

well shucks.. ;-)

[GoingToMakeIt]

Avis, thanks for sharing that. It feel good to fess up, huh.
     The last three days I have been in excruciating pain. This low back pain with spasms was what I started to take pills for. I did not use, but that ever present "I can help you with these pills" was trying to talk in my head. I am in debt to you and all the others here. This place is a strength for me.

[avisg]

I understand what you mean .ohhh my in the last four months i have had many close calls with the pills ..... this place has really helped me not use  I am glad it has done that for you too.
avis

[addictedme]

Good post. Nobody can justify shooting heroin or smoking crack but when dealing with pain its like an honor system,,nobody can judge your pain and your not dealing with a street dealer your dealing with a dr or a loved one that doesnt want you in pain so its always up to you. Thats why telling someone of your addiction is so important

[marcatj]

i totally agree... and it is tough going through it alone, really tough.  this board has been a LIFE SAVER for me...

[NautyOne]

So what are all of these other alternatives?  I think you left something out of your post.  Enlighten us/me Please!

Nauty............

[marcatj]

it depends on what your pain/physical issue is naughty.  it's not a broad stroke...

[marcatj]

ie Tegradol and cortisone shots are not going to work on someone with bad cramps, or migraines, etc. while they might work tremendously on someone with a back issue (me.)

you can't make a blanket statement.

[addictedme]

You could start with the back and neck problem forum or the pain management forum which I never see anyone from this forum in,

[NautyOne]

Who made the blanket statement, when they stated that there are all these other alternatives......name a few.....that's all I asked.  

Nauty................

[avisg]

nauty if you read i put in several ,maybe you didn't read the whole post soooo i will be more then happy to enlighten you  

Meditation

Deep Breathing

Body Relaxation

Positive Thinking

Imagery

Self-hypnosis

Connecting with Others

Music

Laughter

Prayer

Mind Machines

Gentle Workout

Strengthening Exercises

Stretching

Walking

Feldenkrais

Somatics

Pain Relief Postures

Yoga and Tai Chi

Acupressure

Reflexology

Energy Work

Baths and Compresses

Salves and Ointments

Aromatherapy

Massage

Vibration

Electrical Stimulation

Uncontracting Muscles

Vitamins and Minerals

Herbs and Amino Acids

along with the others i already mentioned in my first post and if you would like me to find you some more i would love to help you .

[avisg]

having the thought processes that only pain meds can fix our pain is who many of us got her

[marcatj]

... i know for me, seeing a pain/addiction specialist instead of a "back doctor" who only sees the BACK and not the whole picture, helped me tremendously...

[NautyOne]

lol......thanks.......:-)

[MissBecca24]

I think that this is a great post for those that can do those things, For the ones that cant MOVE because of pain prayer doesnt always cut it! there is a big difference in making an excuse to use and actually having to have the meds. a BIG DIFFERENCE!

[avisg]

well seen as there were many many other choices it is odd that you would choose that one. Nor does that mean any single one will work alone .........
Also becca i believe in the being of the post i stated just that

"There are some cases where you have to use  because it is impeding your ability to heal "
The majority of the people that pain level is uncontrollable are probably  are not posting on this site.

[avisg]

Are pills the only thing you do to manage your pain?

[oxyaddict420]

This is a direct quote I copied.. And it is TOTAL BULLCRAP!!!

"if you have or have had a problem with pain meds in the past, you WILL have a problem in the future."

Wow, how nice of you to state that there is no need to try to get clean because we will only have these same problems in the future.. Speak for yourself, but don't speak for me on this BOLD, FALSE STATEMENT!  

I may abuse now or have a problem now, but I damn sure am going to beat this pain pill addiction, and when I do it is a thing of the past.. It may be hard to stay clean, but I WILL NOT HAVE PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE!  That is a real neagtive way to look at this addiction!

[LIZZIE LOU]

so let me see if i understand you.

are you saying that "after" you beat this addiction...that you will be able to use pain pills to "just" treat pain?

[oxyaddict420]

I also understand what you mean.. But for me, i could never just take it when I truly needed it. If it was there, I was abusing it..  I am sure there are people all over that are taking their pain meds they way the DR listed, but they arent here with addiction problems either though.. I think for an addict that using being in pain, is an easier way to justify using..

Also, I started out using pain pills "AS DIRECTED" because of actual legitimate pain.. But after developing a tolerance to the pills, and then having the DR up the dosage.. I started to abuse the pills to get that buzz on top of managing my pain..

[oxyaddict420]

I cant beat this addiction.. I CAN ONLY MANAGE IT!!

I will be an addict until I die, but I can choose to be a recovering addict instead of an addict who uses and abuses..  

[LIZZIE LOU]

good luck buddy...you should write a book telling how you can use drugs again and not become addicted.  i'm sure there are alot of ppl who would be interested.

sure hope my sons dont think like you do...i want them to live...not die.

[oxyaddict420]

Wow, you are so negative.. Maybe you didnt read my post clearly!

I AM AN ADDICT FOR LIFE! I WILL CHOOSE NOT TO USE AND ABUSE!

This is a choice for me, so that I can live a healthy and productive life.. People can be so quick to judge when they dont hear what they want.. But the REAL PEOPLE HERE THAT KNOW ME, KNOWS THAT WHAT YOU ARE CLAIMING IS BULLCRAP!!  

I believe that you can be addicted to something today, and be clean of it and not be using or abusing in the future! Hints the reason about my statement about that comment above..  

You can be vulgar all you want. You can call me names and be negative all you want.. But I am finished using negative energy on a stranger who judges me on one post that doesnt fit their opinions..!!

TO THE REST OF MY SUPPORTERS.. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE FOR ME, AND I PROMISE I WILL BEAT THIS PAIN PILL PROMBLEM!!  

[LIZZIE LOU]

i sure would like to know how i was "vulgar"

i agree that you can be addicted to something today, and be clean of it and not be using or abusing in the future!  as long as you stay away from it.  you can choose NOT to use and abuse...but believe me...you cant ever choose to use...not even once.  you will be right back down that road again.

i hope that you are right...and everything that is known about addiction is wrong...for your sake.

i may be a stranger to you...but i am no stranger to addiction.  i have been on this forum for 11 months now.

good luck

[oxyaddict420]

You have started a very good thread here.. I would have to agree with alot of what has been said..  Alot of people use having pain to justify using pain meds..  So Thanks for taking the time to point out somethings that might actually help people realize what they are doing is just going to set them back, and in the long run hurt them more than help them!

[MissBecca24]

NO mam they arent the only thing that I use, but what im hearing is that you are telling people that they can do these things and if they do they shouldnt have to use pain meds, im sick of hearing that certain people dont belong here because they have to take them. Im sure that certain people do make excuses I used to all the time. But I also believe that people shouldnt be made to feel bad because floating in a pool of flower petals done help their pain! thats all im done posting about it as always just because we dont all see eye to eye someone is wrong! I hope that these things work for people really I do ! but it sounds like a post to make people think that if they take the meds then they are wrong because they arent doing this big list of things! when actually when you have real pain it takes meds sometimes to be able to do 90% of what you listed!

[LIZZIE LOU]

i'm sorry that i dont know your story...but i understand that you are saying that you are taking pills because of your pain.  is that right?

can you tell me how much clean time you have had since you started taking pills and how long you have been on them?

[avisg]

NO actually I am say they should try some of these things before they use pills if they want to continue there sobriety. that how ever isn't a problem for you because you are not an addict .... I don't believe i have ever said people don't belong here ... I think maybe your are projecting .... have a good night :)

[MissBecca24]

It comes off to people different ways is all im saying! just like every other post here! I am learning that I am an addict! I will never be cured the more I learn and read the more I get that ! but I do have to take them , i dont eat them like candy and maybe some can do that ! im just saying dont push things on people! pushing doesnt do anything! what works for some wont for others! Lizzie,  I was clean for almost  4 years. I was diagnosed with cancer and tried everything not to take them , finally had to because I couldnt even walk across the room sometimes! I have been on them a year!

[avisg]

really pushing alternative methods of relieving pain ...what was i thinking

[LIZZIE LOU]

sorry about your diagnosis.  what has your treatment been and why would you still be on them after a year?  what kind of cancer were you diagnosed with?  i'm just wondering because there are alot of ppl diagnosed with cancer who dont take pain pills.

[MissBecca24]

I was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma and im still on them because I have other health problems that has caused a delay in my Surgery to take the cancer out of my leg. I have girly problems also and they are going to do surgery on that also. I had to have a certain number of chemos before surgery and after 6 they decided they wanted to do 6 more ! There are alot of people that dont take them , but some have to , there isnt a way around it, I tried PT to help with my leg, I would go to the spa and get my whole body massaged to help to . I would go to the gym thinking that it was that I wasnt active enough , you name it we did it and it did nothing, when it got to where I couldnt walk because of the pain I wasnt going to short change my children because i had to much pride! I have a few more chemos and then its to the surgery then these damn pills are gone!

[Greatgreebo]

Avis-yep, I hear ya. It's easy to use the pills versus trying other things.
Becca- I don't think Avis was telling anyone that after the alternatives they won't need the pain pills. She was simply asking how many of us use it as an excuse. I know that I have.

Everyone-Seems to be some personal attacks going on....Let's stay focused and positive.  Don't take things as judgement against you or your beliefs.
I think a lot of the problem on this forum is this: A guilty mind needs no accuser.

I know that I get hypersensitive sometime (that's the addict in me)

[Savas]

Attitude helps a lot. A remember reading a book in which a human character who had a wolf friend (don't ask) was miserable because he was in physical pain, emotional pain, spiritual pain.

The wolf finally turned to him and said;

"You humans don't know how to enjoy life. You complicate your life obsessing on things you can't do anything about, focusing on your pain until it's all encompassing. Wolves just live in the moment, enjoying life as it comes."

The human says "I can't help it. I'm human."

To which the wolf replies "Be a wolf. It's much easier."

[Greatgreebo]

touche'

[marcatj]

if you people would read the posts for what the really say instead of immediately getting defensive, you might learn something.  especially since the ones who are getting defensive are defending something that was never said. who are you arguing with?

"he who doeth protest too much."

no one said you will always use.  no one said you push drugs.

but i am wasting my breath.. avis, lizzie - xoxox.  and lizzie.. it's a waste of breath, trust me.  

[marcatj]

love it!

[avisg]

Thank you everyone some people will get it some won't  But i am looking at the people that do get it and the ones that don't I find it very interesting.......

[NewLeaf]

I have come out of hiding to post to this thread regarding pain.

I have lived in pain for over half of my adult life. I have raised 2 daughters, one is the addict that attracted me to this site to seek answers. The other not an addict, but nonetheless, raised a family despite living with constant pain. Pain dashed my hopes and dreams for life and constantly required that I continuously evolve my perspective of life and how I live it. It has been only in dire circumstances and situations where I have used pain modifying medication (opiates...) because keeping my sense of self throughout my life has been something I value.

Guess what????? It has only been this last year when I have REALLY, REALLY wanted to check out of "life" that I have wanted to take pain medication. All the years of joint replacements, AVN (bone disolves and dies splintering and discintergrating insidfe your body - that F***** hurts, never, have I wanted to use pain medication .... any flippin medication ... till now.... when dealing emotionaly and coping with my addict daughter (whom I dearly love) and the situation she is putting innocent childeren through and the mental, emotional stress  this is putting on me, my husband, her sister.... BRING ON the xanax, darvocet, oxicontin ....etc.. etc..

So, why did you choose to use?  I know my answer to getting a good night's sleep.

PLEASE look at why you became addicted, was it physical pain? Was it emotional pain?  

Guess what? Through all the physical pain I have experienced, I have been able to say no and make a choice,  

[marcatj]

nice to see you post sweetheart.

and a very good post, indeed....

you've been missed.  sending love and good things your way...
xox
mj

[NewLeaf]

Everyone is unique and different.

Why we use and do what we do is just as unique and different.

Some of us have a choice, some of us don't.  

I have a choice. My daughter has a choice. I acknowledge it is a much harder and different one than mine.

Some of us can use and not be "caught" as easily by addiction making the choice easier..... at first......  Based on my experience, over time anyone can be "caught"  by addiction.  Use long enough and it does catch up with us.  

You know, pain , is pain, is pain. Be it physical... emotional.  Whatever form we fear and can't take and need to escape from.

Just a question,  why?

[allaboutmary]

All I know is while taking pain pills my pain increased by about 75%. Before I understood this addiction I thought more pain meant I should take more pain pills. Not to metion the depression and feeling of hopelessness pain pills caused.  Advil and a heat pack gives me more relief than pain pills ever did.  When I relapsed I had to be honest with myself . It was for the buzz and emotional numbing and not for pain.

[allaboutmary]

P. S  I could take my neck MRI to any doctor and justify taking pain pills. My neck hasn't hurt me in 4 years, it is my hip and back pain that is such a problem. Yet the MRI's of my back don't show that much of a problem. Go figure.  So bad MRI's don't mean bad pain. A doctor once said to me  "that is why I treat the patient and not the MRI. I guess what I am trying to say is that for an addict having that bad MRI is like a written exscuse to use and we really need to be honest with ourselves.  
Great post Avisg

[LIZZIE LOU]

hi C...i just responded to your pm...before i came to the forum and read your reply to this post.

oh hell no...woman, we've got to talk.  you are strong...you have shown the strength that only a mother has.  i know how hard this has been...you know that.  dulling your emotional pain will NOT solve the problem.  hiding from your emotional pain will NOT solve the problem.  you, my friend, are NOT at fault for your daughter's addiction.  you cannot take on that responsibility and i will not stand for that.

the plan for the children is coming into place...will you be ready for that?  if you dont stop now...this use will grab you and not let go.  are you listening to me sweetie?  STOP NOW.

i know what you are thinking..."i'm tired of being strong".  i think that sometimes too...but the only thing that can hurt us is what we allow to hurt us.  you cannot change the past...but you can be responsible for your future.  I AM SO WORRIED ABOUT YOU C.  WE NEED TO TALK!  

huggs,
kim

[kimmiek]

Anyone ever hear the defination of insane?  Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Just like you said Avis in your first post.  If you dont change anything, nothing changes.