Is it wrong to use pain meds to curb withdrwal between bouts of pain?

[Joe]

Since my chronic pain levels are not constant, I use the pain meds as needed.  However I noticed that when I have a "good" day (i.e. using less pain meds) I have withdrawal symptoms.  I typically take 1/2 a pill to curb the symptoms until the pain has me take a full dose.  My question is: should I just put up with the symptoms or is taking a small dose to curb it going to lead to an endless cycle of addiction.  I hate taking the meds when I don't need it for pain but since it looks like I'll be on them for life, I can't help but think why should I go through withdrawal several times a week, but feel "guilty" getting the withdrawal relief.

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

OOPS! sorry Neena my last post was for Vocodin Girl. I screwed up on my names again. Guess I'm not awake yet!

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

I am sorry to hear that you are leaving this forum. The reason I visit here is to hear all the many opinions that are posted about addiction. Some of your posts helped me.
I have to admit that Doc Dan's advice is getting a bit tedious day after day. Methadone is not the only answer for conquering addiction. It's just "his opinion".

Anyway, good luck! You are right about one thing though... most of us end up abusing drugs because we like it. After a million studies have been done on addiction, that's what it all boils down to. We just like it!

[To sick and scared from Neena]

Hi. I'll be out of town until Sunday.  I'll check on you as soon as I get in, I promise.  Hang in there.  ps. Hope you don't live in Florida, ha ha.  Neena

[Lynn to Neena]

Wow, all I can say is thank you for sharing this with me.

[Lynn to Neena]

Good for you! How did you get through it? Are you still taking xanax for sleep and anexiety, because those are hard to kick, also. A couple of weekends ago felt like we wanted to die, but painfully, slowly, we got through it. Well, you did anyway, I relapsed. No willpower. What does it feel like to actually get through a day straight, without worrying about where your next pill is going to come from? I'm tired if I don't have any percs, and I'm tired if I eat them because they don't give me the energy   they used to. Now its a psychological thing, seeing that vial of pills in my pocketbook. What is keeping you from calling your connection? I want to be where you are!!!

[To sick and scared from Neena]

It's been three weeks, and still no cravings for Vicoden.  Yeah!
Appetite is back and making plans to begin my tennis career again.  I hope that I may be of inspiration to all of you.  Most of all, I hope that I can stay away from the pills.  So far so good.  I feel like a different person...I am feeling life again.  Neena