IMPAIRED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS?

[sissy101]

This is my story.  Yes, I can say I'm addicted to opiates, but the strange thing is that it's just when I work.  When I'm not at work, I really have no desire!  I don't "drug seek" aka going to MD's for prescriptions, etc.  I don't go through withdrawals, I guess you could say its "recreational" use.  However, this is my livlihood so of course its a dangerous situation.  I have not gone to NA or anything, I was just wondering if anyone here had an opinion as to why this is with me.  There have been times when I have not worked for months and months and still I didn't "drug seek".  I just don't get it.  I have been reading a lot of posts on this forum recently and I admire so many of you who have gone through such hard times- physically and mentally.  I'd love some opinions on this.  Thanks.  RNinPA.

[ultragirl]

I mentioned last week in the forum that I had picked July 25th as my last day of taking the non=addicting Ultram - the closer it gets, the apprehensive I become - in fact, I just took 4 Lortabs and they have not affected me in the least where as years ago, I would have been buzzing around full of pep, energy and witty sayings.  With that said, I would like to know how these internet sites overseas get to presibe Valium and Vicodin and now, after placing a order for Valium to get me through the "rough spots" I saw on their site Vicodin, placed an order, received a reply back that they were out but would send Oxyicontin instead at the same price.  Hell, no wonder I'm hooked - I can't blame the internet since I was the one in search of the drugs (never took Ultram until I found it on the website) but am wondering about how they get away with this!
I really am ready to get this illness cured and to start looking like myself again - everyone says I look tired all the time but I don't think so - I just feel good.  right.

[GOD]

Skipper,

THanks for the more detailed info... I printed out the pertainent info, and gave it to my aunt for reference to take to her next pain clinic appt. (I think she's going in on Wednesday)
I certainly hope that it will help her. Before, As I'd mentioned, I HAD ASSUMED that she was abusing her pain meds, but after spending a week over there with her, I realize that she REALLY does need medication at a high level to get rid of MOST of the pain. I think the fact that she's on Klonopin and Paxil is more damaging (in the sense that it makes her look WASTED!) to her than the Pain-releiving morphine. Anyway, progress is being made, nonetheless!

Enjoy this 85 degree day, Man... it is OVER 20 degrees cooler than yesterday!

Later-
Jess

[GOD]

Thanks for writing back....

I don't know if you said before, but what is your drug of choice? I know you are like me and like the opiates, but what form in particular? I'm glad I never got my hands on a large supply of Oxy or Hydro! If I had, I don't think I could EVER remain sober. (like I said, I was an Ultram junkie...) Funny thing is, I have taken a couple of Vicodins or 40 Mgs Oxys while I was abusing Ultram, and the Vicodins and/or Oxys did NOTHING for me. I couldn't even feel an Effect. BUT, as I've said before, I was taking 30-50 Ultam per day, so I guess that REALLY upped my tolerance. You are REALLY Lucky to have ecaped the Physical and Mental withdrawl symptoms that most of us have when coming down from Opiates.... Is that true for you no mattter HOW much you take? In other words, were you just poping a couple per day recreationally, or have you ever worked your way up to 100+ Mgs in a given day?

Well... I've got to get back to the "Grind"-- Have a great day, and BE CAREFUL!

Jess

[Rx]

Hi everyone. Speaking of impaired health professionals... guess what I do? I'm a retail pharmacist. Statistics say that about 1 in 10 pharmacists are addicts. I have about 180 tablets of hydrocodone/apap 10/325 and a few percocets and adderall in my fridge. I am ashamed to say that I've stocked up b/c I'm quitting retail, so I won't have anymore access to drugs like I do.

My first opioid experience was with vicoprofens 1.5 years ago when I had strep. I remember lying in my bed when the euphoria hit me... I felt so peaceful, and a smile spread on my face. Even though I loved it, for some reason I gave the rest to a friend. As the months went by, I would once in a while pop a generic vicodin at work. Then I started forging scripts. For the longest time, I would only take 5-7.5 mg hydrocodone about 3-4 times a month. This continued for about a year, but recently I've increased my usage to about 15 mg hydrocodone a day and at the same time noticed my tolerance going up. This may not sound like much, but it sure is a bad sign. And unfortunately I decided to experiment with adderall and was instantly hooked. I only have a couple of tablets of adderall and was going to get some more before I quit, but I know I'd really better not.

I also don't feel a need to use drugs outside of work... but at work, it's practically a necessity for me. Retail pharmacy is very stressful and hectic, especially when I'm filling 300-400 scripts a day, and getting abused by patients, I need the drugs to cope. People can yell at me about their copays and it doesn't phase me... people cussing me out b/c they have no refills doesn't bother me. But I know this can't continue. I'm hoping that when I find a less stressful line of work, I won't feel a need to use at all anymore. I don't know why I had the urge to stock up before I quit... maybe the thought of my supply being cut off suddenly is too much to bear.

[skipper]

Jess:
another non tylenol, non asprin, non motrin form of hydro-c is
tussenex cough tablets/syrup. all it contains is a resin complex
of hydro-c that time releases over a 8-12 hour period and a anti-
histamine called chlorotrimeton (spelling). in the past i've had
doctors perscribe it for pain control. in my expierence this is
the most powerful form of hydro-c out there in drug-land!"

keep an angel on your shoulder
kip

[skipper]

cindi:
hey there! you used to post here...wish you still did old friend.
i have not heard as much as a peep from JB. you know his wife,
Marty was quite ill also. if you have his e-mail address, you are
one up on me. like i said i'm really worried. it's not like JB
to just leave people hanging. hope to see you post more.
as always keep an angel on your shoulder
kip