Chronic pain and medication addiction?

[lori]

I was wondering where I could find information on the incidence of chronic pain and addiction to pain medication.  I am doing a case study on a patient who has had chronic low back pain for many years.  She is on Darvocet N-100.  She is a recovering alcoholic, clean for 5 years.  Most literature has advised against using this med for patients with history of abusive behaviors. I was just wondering on where I might find some statistics on chronic pain and addiction to medication?

[werner]

my sister has suffered for some time now ,of various illnesses,of which vicodin,hydracodone,and other like meds. have been given.I feel she is causing subsequent disorders from the prolonged use of these drugs. What can you tell me about the long term side-effects of these drugs,and could they cause other problems?


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[steve]

I got hurt real bad in 77 in a motorcycle reck.I have a knee that causes me terrible pain 24 hrs. a day.I have been taking hydrocodone since the accident & could not work or enjoy life at all without it.I've spent a lot of money & gone thru a lot of hell getting as much as I need, but have never been without.There are ways to get them on the web & I have found them.I get my liver & kidneys checked every 6 months & they have never caused a problem.Its the only way I can get a good quality of life.

[Judy]

I am addicted to pain medication, and have been so for several surgeries (2 neck) back and both knees.  I have been dependent on Darvocet for almost 5 years.  I am now sleep addicted to Ambian.  My depression is severe - even thoughts of suicide.

I have tried to wean myself off all medication, but could not do it myself. I need help, and am willing to go anywhere and do anything to get my life back.  I do not want to be hospitalized like a caged animal going thru withdrawal, but be in an enviornment that can both medically, mentally, and spirtually support me.

Does anyone have any ideas of any such place.  I have looked on the web, and cannot find my nitch.

[Brian to Sick and Scared]

If you can afford it, you may want to try Betty Ford or Hazleton Clinic.  Both have great reputations and are probably much better than your local detox ward.

[Kenneth]

I have a sister who is addicted to pain medicine.  She does have substantial injuries and several surgeries on her neck to justify some type of pain intervention. However, her dependency on the pain killers which do not really even help her much anymore is destroying her.  She really needs medical help but will not even consider going into a hospital because I think she is afraid they will take away her medicine.  I have looked at the information on the Betty Ford Clinic off the internet but see mostly alcohol related programs. Financially she can afford whatever help she needs, does anyone know of a place that deals with addiction to prescribed meds. She is on extremely high doses of oxycontin 160mg 4 X/day, and percocet as well as other meds. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks, Kenneth
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[Kenneth]

I have a sister who is addicted to pain medicine.  She does have substantial injuries and several surgeries on her neck to justify some type of pain intervention. However, her dependency on the pain killers which do not really even help her much anymore is destroying her.  She really needs medical help but will not even consider going into a hospital because I think she is afraid they will take away her medicine.  I have looked at the information on the Betty Ford Clinic off the internet but see mostly alcohol related programs. Financially she can afford whatever help she needs, does anyone know of a place that deals with addiction to prescribed meds. She is on extremely high doses of oxycontin 160mg 4 X/day, and percocet as well as other meds. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks, Kenneth
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