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Addiction (Expert Forum)
Prescription Painkiller Addiction
Questions in the Addiction forum are answered by a medical expert.
Prescription Painkiller Addiction
by Karen-T, Jun 25, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Karen T. on June 25, 1999 at 23:16:54
I have SLE; and have been addicted to ALL types of painkillers for three years now; taking them daily. About a year ago; I began to see a physician in St. Petersburg Fla, who wrote me prescriptions for 180 roxicodones per WEEK...needless to say; I am completely addicted to anything containing oxy or hydrocodone. I cannot even go for 12 hours witthout the agonizing symptoms of withdrawal coming on. I have recently married; and both myself and my husband are desperate to get me off of these pills...the withdrawal scares me so much, I fear death. My lupus is in remission now; and I continue taking the pills only to avoid the horrors that await; the hot chills; the pain, etc..I'm terrified for my life and health...what is your best recommendation for me on how to get off of these drugs; and do you have any idea why the withdrawal happens so much sooner then it used to? I used to be able to skip a day or 2; now I can barely make 12 hours...I feel so normal and healthy when on these pills, but know they are killing me..PLEASE tell me the best way to w/d, since my Dr. seems not to care; she only wants my money; having no health insurance does not help the matter...I am an unwilling prisioner. Thank you.
Posted by SA, M.D. - HVMA on June 28, 1999 at 09:26:16
Dear Karen,
Your withdrawal symptoms from narcotics are worse because your dependence on these drugs has increased. You need to be working with a physician who understands the ins-and-outs of narcotic withdrawal and detoxification. Alternatively, you could be helped by receiving inpatient treatment for detox at a facility which treats alcoholism and other forms of substance dependence. The public health department in your city/state may be aware of such programs which may be available to uninsured folks like yourself. Even if a wait is involved, you should put yourself on the waiting list and patiently wait your turn.
Another good resource is the American Society of Addiction Medicine, which could help you identify an Addiction Medicine expert in your area. Their web site is http://www.asam.org . While you're at it, take a look at the many questions I have answered on narcotic dependence on Ask DrSteve
( http://www.drsteve.org ).
Good Luck!
DrSteve
