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Need honest opinions on my situation.........
K here goes. I've read practically EVERY post here and some I can see a lot of similarities and others I don't. I'm talking about opiate addiction. More precisely, hydrocodone.
About 4 or 5 years ago I was prescribed hydrocodone for my osteoarthritis and migraines. The osteoarthritis is in my neck which ***** because THAT causes my migraines. The hydrocodone was a godsend! I got rid of two problems w/ 2 10/325's twice a day to take only as needed. I did that. I never went beyond 4 pills a day. Honest and I never took them every day. More like 2 maybe 3 times a week. 1 refill of 90 lasted like 3 1/2 months and I got 3 refills. So once a year I went back and got another script w/ 3 refills..................I've ALWAYS had a high tolerance to any medication. Even when I was little, any med I took always had to be up'd a week later because the dosage was too low.
Fast forward to last year 2012. HORRIBLE year. Our daughter comes to us and tells us she's depressed, one of our beloved cats had to be put down a few months later..............few months after THAT my mom dies..........few months after that at the end of October, my uncle who was a father figure to me, dropped dead of a heart attack. The entire year was nothing but an emotional, depressing, headache filled rollercoaster............I found myself taking the pills a few more times then 2 twice a week.. Still not every day. Only when I was having a "bad" day. Ya know? And still only ever 2 pills, twice a day.
I realized that the 90 pills on the refill weren't lasting as long as they should. My neck and migraine issues were just as bad and found myself using them as an excuse to take the pills more often. After I take them, my pain did go away and I could move my neck and function like normal and I was more pleasant because I wasn't in pain.
My question: Am I truly addicted? If not physically, then emotionally? I've gone back to the doctors a few months ago for my yearly exam and he gave me 100 pills w/ 4 refills this time. This was at the end of May. I've already gone through one of the refills.
I did a little test on myself and I didn't take them for a few days. I wanted to see if I would have any of the withdrawal symptoms. Besides having my usually neck pain then the accompanied migraine, I noticed that I was a bit anxious......other then that nothing. No sweats, no leg pain, no stomach cramps, no sleepless nights.
I like taking them. When I take them, my neck pain goes completely away and the migraine too. They make me feel like I can function again, doing my normal everyday activities. I'm not doped up, or high. Just once the pain goes away, it's like I can finally exhale and resume my life............ I'm still only taking 2 pills, twice a day. I've never gone above that to 3 pills or 4 pills. Only two because two does the trick.
Any thoughts would really help.........I don't want to be addicted yet I don't want the pain either.............do you guys think I am? THANK YOU!
About 4 or 5 years ago I was prescribed hydrocodone for my osteoarthritis and migraines. The osteoarthritis is in my neck which ***** because THAT causes my migraines. The hydrocodone was a godsend! I got rid of two problems w/ 2 10/325's twice a day to take only as needed. I did that. I never went beyond 4 pills a day. Honest and I never took them every day. More like 2 maybe 3 times a week. 1 refill of 90 lasted like 3 1/2 months and I got 3 refills. So once a year I went back and got another script w/ 3 refills..................I've ALWAYS had a high tolerance to any medication. Even when I was little, any med I took always had to be up'd a week later because the dosage was too low.
Fast forward to last year 2012. HORRIBLE year. Our daughter comes to us and tells us she's depressed, one of our beloved cats had to be put down a few months later..............few months after THAT my mom dies..........few months after that at the end of October, my uncle who was a father figure to me, dropped dead of a heart attack. The entire year was nothing but an emotional, depressing, headache filled rollercoaster............I found myself taking the pills a few more times then 2 twice a week.. Still not every day. Only when I was having a "bad" day. Ya know? And still only ever 2 pills, twice a day.
I realized that the 90 pills on the refill weren't lasting as long as they should. My neck and migraine issues were just as bad and found myself using them as an excuse to take the pills more often. After I take them, my pain did go away and I could move my neck and function like normal and I was more pleasant because I wasn't in pain.
My question: Am I truly addicted? If not physically, then emotionally? I've gone back to the doctors a few months ago for my yearly exam and he gave me 100 pills w/ 4 refills this time. This was at the end of May. I've already gone through one of the refills.
I did a little test on myself and I didn't take them for a few days. I wanted to see if I would have any of the withdrawal symptoms. Besides having my usually neck pain then the accompanied migraine, I noticed that I was a bit anxious......other then that nothing. No sweats, no leg pain, no stomach cramps, no sleepless nights.
I like taking them. When I take them, my neck pain goes completely away and the migraine too. They make me feel like I can function again, doing my normal everyday activities. I'm not doped up, or high. Just once the pain goes away, it's like I can finally exhale and resume my life............ I'm still only taking 2 pills, twice a day. I've never gone above that to 3 pills or 4 pills. Only two because two does the trick.
Any thoughts would really help.........I don't want to be addicted yet I don't want the pain either.............do you guys think I am? THANK YOU!
A little update: It's been a week since I've had any hydrocodone and during that time didn't notice ANY kind of physical withdrawal symptoms. I've used a lot of regular Tylenol and 800mg motrin for my neck and while it still hurts like a B****I haven't given in.
I would love to take 2 pills tho, not because I want to feel good but because I just want the pain in my neck to go away. I talked w/ my doctor and told him my concerns and I inquired about a few non narcotic pain meds and he doesn't think they would help me. We discussed Celebrex and tramadol and he said w/ my high tolerance to any pain med really, he didn't think they would work. I also told him my "other" concerns and he told me that he really didn't think that I was anywhere NEAR a physical addiction. He understands how it happens and understands how some take them "just because" and to THOSE people he'll cut them off, but he never got that impression from me. He said that there are a lot stronger pain meds that he could put me on but I never wanted them in the past because of these issues and he's satisfied that the way I'm taking them is not abuse. He said there could be some underlying issues like depression that could make me think the way I'm thinking and because of what I went thru last year, that I should probably discuss it w/ a therapist.
Which is probably true. I had a lot of crap happen last year and I just bottled it all up and didn't do anything about it. The doctor told me that he's yanked a lot of pain meds from people who were abusing them, he keeps a close eye on all his patients that are prescribed pain meds and he never has a worry about me.
I felt a little better about that. I'm always questioning and worry about things too much. The doc also told me that I'm not at the point of needing surgery yet (probably in 20 years, if it gets a lot worse) so managing this chronic pain is important for my overall well being. He wants me on the tens unit every day for a while and only wants me to take the hydrocodone when absolutely necessary, when I have both neck pain AND the migraine it causes. He wants me to call him in 2 weeks and we'll talk about my emotional state as well as my pain management and he also wants me to keep a pain diary. To log whenever I take a pain pill weather it's a narcotic or not and to also jot down what's going thru my head at the time.........
Emotionally, I feel good at the moment. The pain isn't so bad that I have to take the prescription meds, moist heat helps a lot. I never thought I was physically addicted, but emotionally and since I haven't had any in a week, I do feel "clearer" emotionally if that makes any sense...........
I'm reading here everyday and it's helped because there are so many of you that seem similar to me, and many that are not and I like reading everything to compare and do my own research. Thanks again everyone! I'll update at a later date........................
I would love to take 2 pills tho, not because I want to feel good but because I just want the pain in my neck to go away. I talked w/ my doctor and told him my concerns and I inquired about a few non narcotic pain meds and he doesn't think they would help me. We discussed Celebrex and tramadol and he said w/ my high tolerance to any pain med really, he didn't think they would work. I also told him my "other" concerns and he told me that he really didn't think that I was anywhere NEAR a physical addiction. He understands how it happens and understands how some take them "just because" and to THOSE people he'll cut them off, but he never got that impression from me. He said that there are a lot stronger pain meds that he could put me on but I never wanted them in the past because of these issues and he's satisfied that the way I'm taking them is not abuse. He said there could be some underlying issues like depression that could make me think the way I'm thinking and because of what I went thru last year, that I should probably discuss it w/ a therapist.
Which is probably true. I had a lot of crap happen last year and I just bottled it all up and didn't do anything about it. The doctor told me that he's yanked a lot of pain meds from people who were abusing them, he keeps a close eye on all his patients that are prescribed pain meds and he never has a worry about me.
I felt a little better about that. I'm always questioning and worry about things too much. The doc also told me that I'm not at the point of needing surgery yet (probably in 20 years, if it gets a lot worse) so managing this chronic pain is important for my overall well being. He wants me on the tens unit every day for a while and only wants me to take the hydrocodone when absolutely necessary, when I have both neck pain AND the migraine it causes. He wants me to call him in 2 weeks and we'll talk about my emotional state as well as my pain management and he also wants me to keep a pain diary. To log whenever I take a pain pill weather it's a narcotic or not and to also jot down what's going thru my head at the time.........
Emotionally, I feel good at the moment. The pain isn't so bad that I have to take the prescription meds, moist heat helps a lot. I never thought I was physically addicted, but emotionally and since I haven't had any in a week, I do feel "clearer" emotionally if that makes any sense...........
I'm reading here everyday and it's helped because there are so many of you that seem similar to me, and many that are not and I like reading everything to compare and do my own research. Thanks again everyone! I'll update at a later date........................
Thank you guys so much for your honest feedback! Yes, this did hit home when Gretta said:" Most people who never used drugs think that "energy" they get is not a high. They equate being High with a semi-comatose state and a person that is talking nonsense. That is not how it is and that is not how opiates work. They numb physical and emotional pain while at the same time giving one energy and focus and clarity of thought....until they don't provide the same effect due to tolerance and prolonged use. "
My idea of an addict was someone who's dosage kept going higher and higher, then they would lie cheat and steal to get another pill, and the "high" they get would be that "haze" that you see.................I have run out before. It was about 2 months before I could go back for my yearly check up and script refill, while I was a bit anxious that I didn't have any pills, I just dealt w/ it. I never did have any of the withdrawals and my pain and migraines were horrible, I just waited til I could go back to the docs.
Since I've only ever taken 4 pills in one day and a refill of 90 still lasts me 2 1/2 3 mos. and the fact that I don't take them everyday, I've never connected the fact that I could be emotionally dependent. What got me thinking about all this was when we were on vacation back east. I took them nearly everyday. Reason being is that I was sitting for LONG periods of time driving and anyone w/ osteoarthritis in your neck knows you can't do that. I felt my whole spine was being "compacted" You should hear my neck when I crack it to the sides. It sounds like a maraca. lol Anyway, I was taking 3 or 4 pills a day and when I got back I realized that I was nearly out of the bottle.
Part of me is like, "I know I can go without them, I've done it before, but why should I when I'm in so much pain?" The other part of me is like, "keep taking these and you're gonna be completely messed up because it WILL catch up w/ me." I always told myself that I would never get addicted to anything because I just don't have that kind personality or tolerance to get addicted. My mind is smarter then that and it will never happen, BUT I've read and also realized that you have NO control over your body's wants and needs, same goes for your brain and your emotional status.
I'm on day 3 and my neck is a mess but I'm not gonna take any prescription pain killers. I told myself I'd give it 14 days to see what my emotional state is after that time to discuss w/ my doctor some other options. I am doing a lot of the regular Tylenol (which barely scratches the surface of the pain) and motrin 800 and a lot of hot hot baths for my neck and putting myself on the ten's unit everyday. It's hard because I'm doing all this and the pain is still pretty much there and I know that if I take two little pills it will go away....................
thanks again ya'll! Keep everyone updated and will be on this site everyday for some encouragement.................
My idea of an addict was someone who's dosage kept going higher and higher, then they would lie cheat and steal to get another pill, and the "high" they get would be that "haze" that you see.................I have run out before. It was about 2 months before I could go back for my yearly check up and script refill, while I was a bit anxious that I didn't have any pills, I just dealt w/ it. I never did have any of the withdrawals and my pain and migraines were horrible, I just waited til I could go back to the docs.
Since I've only ever taken 4 pills in one day and a refill of 90 still lasts me 2 1/2 3 mos. and the fact that I don't take them everyday, I've never connected the fact that I could be emotionally dependent. What got me thinking about all this was when we were on vacation back east. I took them nearly everyday. Reason being is that I was sitting for LONG periods of time driving and anyone w/ osteoarthritis in your neck knows you can't do that. I felt my whole spine was being "compacted" You should hear my neck when I crack it to the sides. It sounds like a maraca. lol Anyway, I was taking 3 or 4 pills a day and when I got back I realized that I was nearly out of the bottle.
Part of me is like, "I know I can go without them, I've done it before, but why should I when I'm in so much pain?" The other part of me is like, "keep taking these and you're gonna be completely messed up because it WILL catch up w/ me." I always told myself that I would never get addicted to anything because I just don't have that kind personality or tolerance to get addicted. My mind is smarter then that and it will never happen, BUT I've read and also realized that you have NO control over your body's wants and needs, same goes for your brain and your emotional status.
I'm on day 3 and my neck is a mess but I'm not gonna take any prescription pain killers. I told myself I'd give it 14 days to see what my emotional state is after that time to discuss w/ my doctor some other options. I am doing a lot of the regular Tylenol (which barely scratches the surface of the pain) and motrin 800 and a lot of hot hot baths for my neck and putting myself on the ten's unit everyday. It's hard because I'm doing all this and the pain is still pretty much there and I know that if I take two little pills it will go away....................
thanks again ya'll! Keep everyone updated and will be on this site everyday for some encouragement.................
Most people who never used drugs think that "energy" they get is not a high. They equate being High with a semi-comatose state and a person that is talking nonsense. That is not how it is and that is not how opiates work. They numb physical and emotional pain while at the same time giving one energy and focus and clarity of thought....until they don't provide the same effect due to tolerance and prolonged use.
So true Ricart. I love how you phrased that, it actually cracked me up for some reason!
So true Ricart. I love how you phrased that, it actually cracked me up for some reason!
There are lots of ways to address anxiety and/or depression, medications don't have to be part of your treatment regimen.
Definitely something you want to address though. When people start finding unhealthy ways to cope, then it's time to start taking a good look at what's going on and deal with it.
You've got a lot working to your advantage, you're insightful, honest, and willing to look at the problem and find a solution, rather than try to continue talking yourself into this not being a problem.
Definitely something you want to address though. When people start finding unhealthy ways to cope, then it's time to start taking a good look at what's going on and deal with it.
You've got a lot working to your advantage, you're insightful, honest, and willing to look at the problem and find a solution, rather than try to continue talking yourself into this not being a problem.
The sneaking up on you is the hard part. I know I have some red flags there. I would like to discuss the non narcotic pain meds w/ my doctor. I've had the thyroid tests. All normal. The only thing I had was a vitamin D Deficiency. I'm all for the natural supplements.........hence the Kava Kava I'm taking. I know being in pain does hurt ones emotional state, but I DO NOT under any circumstances want to go on any kind of anti depressant/anxiety drug. I don't think I'm there...................although since this stuff started happening w/ my daughter I noticed some panic attacks. I didn't know what they were at first, scared the crap outta me.
I used to work out everyday.......I've gotten away from that. I need to get back on the elliptical and walking. I know this. I just have no energy...............this site has been great in just the few hours I've been reading thru things. It's helped greatly! Thank you all!
I used to work out everyday.......I've gotten away from that. I need to get back on the elliptical and walking. I know this. I just have no energy...............this site has been great in just the few hours I've been reading thru things. It's helped greatly! Thank you all!
I have only been on this site for 3 days, and reading your post is pretty close to my situation (tramadol being what I "am/was" dependent on) and like you, I thought an "addict" was someone who takes like 30 pills a day. But I have realized, that to me, its the fact that I can't NOT take them every day. I do not have the chronic pain that you do (I was prescribed them for occassional migraines) and the last 8 months I've taken them totally for emotional/mental reasons to help deal with life. They make you feel like super woman. One difference is that you say you are not taking them every day, which is GOOD. I could not say that, even thought I was only taken 2-3 a day, I had gone from 1 yr ago taking only as needed, to 1 a day every day, then 2 a day ever day, and sometimes 3 on a really "bad" day. It will sneak up on you. I am on day 4 of not taking them (I don't have the physical symptoms either some here mention) but the mental withdrawl is AWFUL. I'd agree with everyone above, take a good hard look at how you feel, why you are taking them, and if you feel like you can get through your days without them - if not, better to start now to get OFF of them. PS) this site has been wonderful for me - lots of people sharing stories and no one judging anyone!
I haven't read all the responses but I can tell you from my personal opinion, I too, suffer from migraines...we migraine sufferers are lead to believe that painkillers (specifically opioid painkillers) will help our migraines and indeed, it does, but in most cases the med causes rebound headaches. I was on them for 5 years consistently and had been given iv pain meds every so often prior to that. If you "need" them for pain, then your body has become "dependent", if you're taking them to make things seem "better" in life, then you're addicted, rather if its two, four, six, or eight pills everyday, every other day, etc. I would strongly suggest you look into chiropractic care for the neck problems and possibly crainosacral therapy for migraines. I would also look at your magnesium levels and have your thyroid checked - I've been through a lot of emotional issues as well, losing my mom 3 1/2 years ago today, losing my father last year, having my only child go into school last year after being a stay at home mom and I suffered from PPD and depression and anxiety in general. There are so many natural ways we can cure ourselves of or ailments but the doctors won't lead us to believe that. Since I've been 4 days clean of a 7 a day vicoprofen/hydroxide habit bc I thought it was helping my migraines, I've found so many useful things that have helped. I use essential oils (peppermint in particular) on my temples, behind my ears and on the base of my neck. I would also try feverfew (just check to make sure you don't have any contradictions with any other meds that you're taking. Drink TONS of water daily and try to stay away from Aspirtame as best as you can. I would also recommend tapering off or if you're serious about getting these pills gone out of your life, just stop-yeah, it may be a few hard days but NO ONE can live on pharmaceutical pills all their life. You really have to cure your body from the inside out. Good luck and stick with this group if you feel that's what you need!
I agree completely with all of the above posters.
There are a few ways to try to sort out if you're addicted versus dependent.
One, running out of pills early, or going through them much faster than before. Two, taking them for reasons OTHER than for what they are Rx'ed...that's a big one right there, and you've honestly admitted to doing that. Three, if after a stressful time in your life, you find yourself taking more, or turning to them to numb emotional pain, that's a big red flag too.
Addicts don't have to always steal, or lie, or end up buying off the street. There are a lot of sterotypes that aren't accurate as to what an addict is, and there are some gray areas.
In my unofficial opinion, you're dealing with an addiction. The great news is, it's early on and you've identified that there's an issue before it spiraled out of control too fast. I think you would be wise to talk to both your hubby and your doctor. There may be some underlying depression and/or anxiety that you're self medicating away. That's a common path to addiction.
While I understand that you have pain, there ARE non-narcotic ways to handle pain. You've kind of (IMO) crossed over into dangerous territory where I honestly wouldn't recommend continuing to take a narcotic for pain control. It's not usually about self control (for most people). While it isn't impossible to address this and MAYBE get yourself back to taking them like you did before, I personally wouldn't advise trying.
Here's a couple good links to check out:
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_treatment.htm
http://www.friendsofchoices.org/FOC_TakeTheTest.htm
Being honest about this is a wonderful first step. Take action now before it goes any farther. Best of luck to you!
There are a few ways to try to sort out if you're addicted versus dependent.
One, running out of pills early, or going through them much faster than before. Two, taking them for reasons OTHER than for what they are Rx'ed...that's a big one right there, and you've honestly admitted to doing that. Three, if after a stressful time in your life, you find yourself taking more, or turning to them to numb emotional pain, that's a big red flag too.
Addicts don't have to always steal, or lie, or end up buying off the street. There are a lot of sterotypes that aren't accurate as to what an addict is, and there are some gray areas.
In my unofficial opinion, you're dealing with an addiction. The great news is, it's early on and you've identified that there's an issue before it spiraled out of control too fast. I think you would be wise to talk to both your hubby and your doctor. There may be some underlying depression and/or anxiety that you're self medicating away. That's a common path to addiction.
While I understand that you have pain, there ARE non-narcotic ways to handle pain. You've kind of (IMO) crossed over into dangerous territory where I honestly wouldn't recommend continuing to take a narcotic for pain control. It's not usually about self control (for most people). While it isn't impossible to address this and MAYBE get yourself back to taking them like you did before, I personally wouldn't advise trying.
Here's a couple good links to check out:
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_treatment.htm
http://www.friendsofchoices.org/FOC_TakeTheTest.htm
Being honest about this is a wonderful first step. Take action now before it goes any farther. Best of luck to you!
I am glad that you posted this because your situation is a perfect illustration of the "gray area" between addiction and dependence. You could go either way at any time. You are very honest in your post . Most people who never used drugs think that "energy" they get is not a high. They equate being High with a semi-comatose state and a person that is talking nonsense. That is not how it is and that is not how opiates work. They numb physical and emotional pain while at the same time giving one energy and focus and clarity of thought....until they don't provide the same effect due to tolerance and prolonged use. This is where the problems start.The problems also start when one experiences life stressors and answers those stressors with another pill. Hope this helps
Hi there Jen. Being that you have found yourself going through your refills faster than before, and the fact that you indicated you find yourself using your neck and migraine issues as an excuse to take more pills more often...well....it's hard to say...but your post did raise some red flags. Addiction is tricky and relentless. For many, the use starts off small and harmless, and at some point, spirals out of control into a big mess. While its really hard to say if you're addicted vs dependent etc, it is important that you be very careful...maybe discuss with your doctor? Try some alternative meds if you find yourself 'liking' them too much? Yes, your use is somewhat small ... for now. But it doesn't matter if your taking 4 a day or 14 a day...if you're addicted you're addicted. You came here and posted, right? So something inside of you might be whispering something along the same lines.
Again, I wish you the best and I believe you know deep down if you are heading down that path. The good thing is...you had minimal withdraws when you stopped. That's great! Maybe you should stop now while you're ahead...?! :)
Again, I wish you the best and I believe you know deep down if you are heading down that path. The good thing is...you had minimal withdraws when you stopped. That's great! Maybe you should stop now while you're ahead...?! :)
That's how it works, you start with 1 a day that 1 turns into 2 then 4 then 6 and in my case all the way up to 15 a day and if I could have accessed and afforded more I would have taken more. It creeps up on you before you even see it coming and then when you do see it you don't want to look at it or face it because you are to deep so you hide it or try to justify it.
Good luck, you seem like a strong person and if you need help or advice we are here.
Good luck, you seem like a strong person and if you need help or advice we are here.
When I was first prescribed the meds, he gave me the 5/500's and told me to take ONE. I took one and waited and waited and waited. Did NOTHING. Was like taking an M & M. lol Went back to the docs and he told me to take 2. I took 2 and waited and waited and while I could start to feel it working about an hour later, it didn't last long at all. 2-3 hours after taking two of them and I was in serious pain again.
Back to the doctors..........He gave me the 10/325's and I took one again. Better but still I wished it would last longer............doc told me to take 2. BINGO! 2 worked and lasts a good 4 hours. I was happy.
I'm NOT taking them everyday. More like every other day OR if my pain is really bad, I'll take them for two days then skip a few days and rely on a lot of hot baths and the Tens unit. But yes........emotionally, I like taking them. My daughter is still going thru some stuff and some days it's so hard and yes............I've popped a few. I'm not gonna lie.
I'm actually in the middle of doing a cold turkey kind of thing to see what my emotional state is from not taking them. I've started taking Kava Kava. It's helped TREMENDOUSLY w/ helping me stay calm and also taking B6 and B12 and vitamin D. I want to see if I can go 14 days w/o taking a single pain pill............I'm on day 2 now. My neck is killing me but I've got motrin 800 and regular Tylenol and hoping I can still function............
Thank you all for your honesty. That's what I wanted. My husband does not know about what I'm going thru. He knows I'm in pain most of the time but doesn't know my thoughts about me possibly being addicted.............
I always thought that if you were addicted, you'd take like 30 pills a day then lie cheat and steal to get more. I never thought of taking just 2 or even 4 a day a few times a week could slowly get me addicted emotionally. I don't think I'm physically addicted.............
Back to the doctors..........He gave me the 10/325's and I took one again. Better but still I wished it would last longer............doc told me to take 2. BINGO! 2 worked and lasts a good 4 hours. I was happy.
I'm NOT taking them everyday. More like every other day OR if my pain is really bad, I'll take them for two days then skip a few days and rely on a lot of hot baths and the Tens unit. But yes........emotionally, I like taking them. My daughter is still going thru some stuff and some days it's so hard and yes............I've popped a few. I'm not gonna lie.
I'm actually in the middle of doing a cold turkey kind of thing to see what my emotional state is from not taking them. I've started taking Kava Kava. It's helped TREMENDOUSLY w/ helping me stay calm and also taking B6 and B12 and vitamin D. I want to see if I can go 14 days w/o taking a single pain pill............I'm on day 2 now. My neck is killing me but I've got motrin 800 and regular Tylenol and hoping I can still function............
Thank you all for your honesty. That's what I wanted. My husband does not know about what I'm going thru. He knows I'm in pain most of the time but doesn't know my thoughts about me possibly being addicted.............
I always thought that if you were addicted, you'd take like 30 pills a day then lie cheat and steal to get more. I never thought of taking just 2 or even 4 a day a few times a week could slowly get me addicted emotionally. I don't think I'm physically addicted.............
I agree with Gretta, I believe deep down you know the answer to your question. Also being on these pain medications in the long run can actually cause more pain. I was in pain when using and I used that as a excuse to always be popping pills. I hid my addiction behind my medical issues. I wasn't asking myself the questions you are right now so early on so good for you for taking a closer look. You may find if you choice to stop that you have far less pain. I wish only the best for you!
We've all been exactly where u are and I just stopped taking them 2 days ago. I'm determined to be super mommy without the pills.... I encourage you to really think things through while you are in the position to think about it clearly. Reaching out was a very good thing. Best of luck to u my friend.
My first thought was 2 10/325 is actually on the high side, at least in my experience. I had surgery and was prescribed one 7.5/325 every six hours. My other thought was that is a is a long time to be taking them.
Are you addicted? Maybe, you like the pills, they do relieve pain but they also relax you. It is a good feeling.
Withdrawals are different for everyone, but the worst day is usually day 3 or 4. So even if you stopped for a day or two in a row and had minimal withdrawal symptoms is not necessarily indicative of a lack of physical dependence.
I think your tolerance has gone up. You used to take them a couple days a week and now it's everyday. Taking them for emotional reasons is a huge red flag. Please know I speak from experience, these pills are not for numbing our mental pain, even though they help immensely, until you are out of them and can't get a refill and suddenly the world is crashing down on you.
I think you might want to cut back if you can and be honest about why you're taking them and how severe the pain is. I have read on this site that opiates actually cause migraines. I do know osteoarthritis is painful, and I believe it is progressive, or does it get better? I'm not sure. If it will only get worse, then I'm not sure what you can do to relieve the pain. There are a lot of NSAIDs that come in prescription strength, but they are hard on the tummy.
Good luck, I think you know the answer to your question, and I hope you can avoid sliding down that slippery slope.
Are you addicted? Maybe, you like the pills, they do relieve pain but they also relax you. It is a good feeling.
Withdrawals are different for everyone, but the worst day is usually day 3 or 4. So even if you stopped for a day or two in a row and had minimal withdrawal symptoms is not necessarily indicative of a lack of physical dependence.
I think your tolerance has gone up. You used to take them a couple days a week and now it's everyday. Taking them for emotional reasons is a huge red flag. Please know I speak from experience, these pills are not for numbing our mental pain, even though they help immensely, until you are out of them and can't get a refill and suddenly the world is crashing down on you.
I think you might want to cut back if you can and be honest about why you're taking them and how severe the pain is. I have read on this site that opiates actually cause migraines. I do know osteoarthritis is painful, and I believe it is progressive, or does it get better? I'm not sure. If it will only get worse, then I'm not sure what you can do to relieve the pain. There are a lot of NSAIDs that come in prescription strength, but they are hard on the tummy.
Good luck, I think you know the answer to your question, and I hope you can avoid sliding down that slippery slope.
See, that's the problem. my neck pain is ALWAYS there. From a scale of 1 - 10 on pain, I wake up every morning w/ my neck being at least a 5 then once I'm up it usually dissipates to a 3, but it's always there. The migraines come into play if the neck pain gets worse during the day.
Since I have the neck pain ALL THE TIME, I feel like I'm justified HOWEVER; I know it's a slippery slope I'm on here. I'll admit that last year when it was so bad..........I did take them to feel better. I always thought that the "energy" I got was because the pain went away when I took them. No pain equals a happy mommy and can get a lot of stuff done. I'm questioning my own reasons for taking them now............Yes, for pain but now...............maybe something else.
I do have a "ten's unit" that I also use in conjunction w/ the pain meds. They are little electrodes you put on where the pain is and your turn the little gadget for about 40 min. It feels good on my neck and I've been using that a lot lately.
Am I taking them for legitimate pain. Yes. Am I taking them to handle life? I'll admit, yes to that too occasionally...........that's what's got me scared.
Since I have the neck pain ALL THE TIME, I feel like I'm justified HOWEVER; I know it's a slippery slope I'm on here. I'll admit that last year when it was so bad..........I did take them to feel better. I always thought that the "energy" I got was because the pain went away when I took them. No pain equals a happy mommy and can get a lot of stuff done. I'm questioning my own reasons for taking them now............Yes, for pain but now...............maybe something else.
I do have a "ten's unit" that I also use in conjunction w/ the pain meds. They are little electrodes you put on where the pain is and your turn the little gadget for about 40 min. It feels good on my neck and I've been using that a lot lately.
Am I taking them for legitimate pain. Yes. Am I taking them to handle life? I'll admit, yes to that too occasionally...........that's what's got me scared.
You may not be addicted just dependent. The only thing that concerns me is you say you were taking them for emotional reasons. You said you were taking them when you were having a "Bad" day. Well if its a bad day because you are in so much pain you need the pain pill that's one thing but if you are having a Bad day because you are emotionally overwhelmed or depressed this is very dangerous fire to be playing with. Most of us on here started because of real pain and then stopped taking for pain and more for the high/energy/superwomen effect and of course to keep w/d's away. You need to ask yourself if you are really taking them for legit pain or are you taking them to handle life? If it's to handle life this solution never ends well and really is not a solution at all as much as it may feel like it is at the time.
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