Aa
Norco - Am I addicted?...
Hello...
I am a 30 year old male. I have been taking Norco 10/325 for the past couple years. I take it because of a back injury from a car accident. I take it about 5-6 days a week, and anywhere from 2-3 pills at a time. Started with one, then two, and now three (over the year and a half). The only days I DON'T take the Norco is when I am drinking (not heavily, but just mildly/socially - I just don't like taking pain killers when I even have one beer, so I can consciously and easily make the decision to hold off on Norco on weekends when I am out at the bars with friends or whatever)...
I don't find it hard at all to NOT take the Norco when I drink (again - not drinking heavily. this thread was not at all posted to insinuate an alcohol problem in ANY way). I also have a 9-5 job, and I ONLY take my Norco after 6-7pm or so because I don't like to be on Norco while at work. I also do not find it hard to wait until nighttime to take the Norco (like, I'm not itching for it during the day). I hold a good job and am very social...
Based on everything in the paragraph above, I don't "feel" like an addict. But I can't imagine that there's not SOMETHING wrong with taking opiates nearly every day of my life! Could I go a night without taking Norco on a "non-drinking" night? Probably. But I don't want to! Which, when I say THAT, DOES make me feel like an addict!...
So, what do you guys think? Am I an addict because I like taking Norco (I'd say 60% for the "buzz" and 40% because I genuinely do have back pain)? Or, am I NOT an addict because I can go almost all day without it and not desire it, and because I'm only taking 3 per night? I truly feel that I could stop any time, but because it's not ("currently") adversely affecting my life, I see no reason not to...
Also, I'm concerned that even with my small dosage I may be doing long-term internal damage (liver, etc). Is that a possibility or something to worry about? I don't want to hurt my body, but at the same time I feel that if I quit taking Norco all together (which I feel I could easily do) that my back would just be in horrendous pain on a regular basis...
Sorry for the long post, and I'd like to thank anyone in advance that can offer up any advice/suggestions/answers...
I am a 30 year old male. I have been taking Norco 10/325 for the past couple years. I take it because of a back injury from a car accident. I take it about 5-6 days a week, and anywhere from 2-3 pills at a time. Started with one, then two, and now three (over the year and a half). The only days I DON'T take the Norco is when I am drinking (not heavily, but just mildly/socially - I just don't like taking pain killers when I even have one beer, so I can consciously and easily make the decision to hold off on Norco on weekends when I am out at the bars with friends or whatever)...
I don't find it hard at all to NOT take the Norco when I drink (again - not drinking heavily. this thread was not at all posted to insinuate an alcohol problem in ANY way). I also have a 9-5 job, and I ONLY take my Norco after 6-7pm or so because I don't like to be on Norco while at work. I also do not find it hard to wait until nighttime to take the Norco (like, I'm not itching for it during the day). I hold a good job and am very social...
Based on everything in the paragraph above, I don't "feel" like an addict. But I can't imagine that there's not SOMETHING wrong with taking opiates nearly every day of my life! Could I go a night without taking Norco on a "non-drinking" night? Probably. But I don't want to! Which, when I say THAT, DOES make me feel like an addict!...
So, what do you guys think? Am I an addict because I like taking Norco (I'd say 60% for the "buzz" and 40% because I genuinely do have back pain)? Or, am I NOT an addict because I can go almost all day without it and not desire it, and because I'm only taking 3 per night? I truly feel that I could stop any time, but because it's not ("currently") adversely affecting my life, I see no reason not to...
Also, I'm concerned that even with my small dosage I may be doing long-term internal damage (liver, etc). Is that a possibility or something to worry about? I don't want to hurt my body, but at the same time I feel that if I quit taking Norco all together (which I feel I could easily do) that my back would just be in horrendous pain on a regular basis...
Sorry for the long post, and I'd like to thank anyone in advance that can offer up any advice/suggestions/answers...
First of all, it seems to me like you have a problem with the thought of being an addict. Not trying to make you mad but I have to say that I remember many many years ago when I went to an NA meeting and I thought I don't belong here. None of these things are similar to my situation. I have never done that -- or that - etc., Each time that I went back out my dosage ALWAYS continued to increase eventually. I could never admit that I was an addict because I felt like it was a dirty word and who wants to be associated with anthing like that?????? I really believe that was part of the addiction process for me of realizing that - YES - I am an ADDICT!!!! I am still a loving person and I too hold down a full time job and function for the most part just fine. My pain has been remarkably better since I quit taking them. Not gone mind you....but better. The problem is......Eventually, it will be a problem. Any long term use is not what they are designed for. Your body will begin to build up a resistance and you will eventually need more and more. I want you to succeed. Be honest with yourself and you will know the answer. My personal opinion is if you get a high out of them at all and there is any percentage that fits into that category....then you have an issue to deal with. My best regards to you and I hope I did not offend you because I truly am not trying to. I just don't want you to waste any more of your life, like I did......Good luck hon!!!!
Marj
Marj
Six years ago.... I was exactly the person you described in your post. Not really a problem...sort of needed the med...but not really. (at least not if I worked to stop taking it)
I will be the first to talk about all the reasons you(we) should take the meds, but the reasons you hear are all fake!! It is that little tiny infant of an addiction in your head talking!
You got to be strong and realize you should be trying to not take the meds at night for the pain.
I say this cause I don't want you to go thru what I have. Years of withdrawals. I am right now sweating, shaking, and crying. looking for help on this board. BE SMARTER THAN ME!!
If you are here asking this question........ come on....you know the answer already!!
Good luck to you!! Don't be fooled by the meds!
Take care!
I will be the first to talk about all the reasons you(we) should take the meds, but the reasons you hear are all fake!! It is that little tiny infant of an addiction in your head talking!
You got to be strong and realize you should be trying to not take the meds at night for the pain.
I say this cause I don't want you to go thru what I have. Years of withdrawals. I am right now sweating, shaking, and crying. looking for help on this board. BE SMARTER THAN ME!!
If you are here asking this question........ come on....you know the answer already!!
Good luck to you!! Don't be fooled by the meds!
Take care!
I would like to add that if you are taking them in any way except as prescribed, then one must consider this is at minimum "abuse".. Just my .02
You got a lot of good answers and this was a great question.
AM I AN ADDICT? What is the definition of the word "addict".
OF course there is a diversity of "definitions" but many would agree to the following:
ADDICT>>>someone who is so ardently devoted to something that it resembles an addiction; "a golf addict"; "a car nut"; "a bodybuilding freak";...
someone who is physiologically dependent on a substance; abrupt deprivation of the substance produces withdrawal symptoms
to cause (someone or oneself) to become dependent (on something, especially a narcotic drug)
If you take a drug just about every day, it is at the very least a dangerous HABIT. One you have not broken away from.
LOOK, When I first started on hydros.. My "time of day" was at noon. I would pop 2-3 v's and I did that for a good maybe 2 years, with an extra dose now and then later on.
It's was/is a matter of time before most persons move to the next level and then again , to another level.
Your question, "am I an addict"... Is subjective at best. But my answer is that anything a person does on a very regular basis, golf, smoking, pot, hydros, even once a day, is to a certain extent Addicted or Dependent, or simple cannot break a "habit" or "ritual".
You decide. Hope this helps!
AM I AN ADDICT? What is the definition of the word "addict".
OF course there is a diversity of "definitions" but many would agree to the following:
ADDICT>>>someone who is so ardently devoted to something that it resembles an addiction; "a golf addict"; "a car nut"; "a bodybuilding freak";...
someone who is physiologically dependent on a substance; abrupt deprivation of the substance produces withdrawal symptoms
to cause (someone or oneself) to become dependent (on something, especially a narcotic drug)
If you take a drug just about every day, it is at the very least a dangerous HABIT. One you have not broken away from.
LOOK, When I first started on hydros.. My "time of day" was at noon. I would pop 2-3 v's and I did that for a good maybe 2 years, with an extra dose now and then later on.
It's was/is a matter of time before most persons move to the next level and then again , to another level.
Your question, "am I an addict"... Is subjective at best. But my answer is that anything a person does on a very regular basis, golf, smoking, pot, hydros, even once a day, is to a certain extent Addicted or Dependent, or simple cannot break a "habit" or "ritual".
You decide. Hope this helps!
Most likely if you stopped cold turkey you would experience some WD due to the amount of time you have been taking them. You may not feel like an addict, and many addicts have a far bigger problem than you appear to. That does not mean that it will be easy for you to quit. Your body is used to the routine. I never noticed any WD until a day or 2 after I would quit, so if you skip a day or 2 you might not notice much, but if you wait a few more days you most likely will notice some type of WD. I am not a Dr., so this is just a guess based on personal experience. Just be careful. Good luck.
Well not to get into a debate over addiction vs dependance (again) - When I took Norco's I never got the buzz everyone else did. Maybe I am immune..I do not know. I jsut know that they quit relieving my pain like they did when I first started taking them.
So I researched addiction and found this forum. At first they worked for 6-8 hours. Then 5- hours...after a couple years I was up to almost 8 pills a day. I cut back to 6 a day but the pain relief only was for about 2 hours each time. I grew an intolerance to them.
Before 2 years straight on these, I took about 3-4 pills every other day for about 2 weeks then off them for about 2-3 weeks, then back on. So I can understand now why they worked for me way back.
I also started to feel very irritable on the pills so I quizzed my doctor about this. I think the reason I got so irritable was because everday I went some sort of W/D. And I didn't like the way I felt when I took 8 a day. The next day I had trouble waking up.
I knew I had to work to support myself, so I told my doctor "I want a new drug." At first he tried to give me Oxy--I refused it. He wanted to give me that because it was a 12 hour time released med. I still refused it because I read too much about this one.
Then he tried to give me Ultram. I refused that one too because of what other people in my pain support group said about how that was a very dirty drug.
I told him there has got to be some sort of anti-inflammatory drug out there that will work on me. He gave me Voltaren. I took it during my taper from the Norco with no problem. After 2 weeks off the Norco, the Voltaren side efffects hit me. And I quit that too.
Yes I still have pain. Sometimes pretty severe. But like I said, it comes and goes. If it gets constant again..I will go see my doctor again.
But I will NEVER take these narcotics for years at a time again.
Sometimes when your body hurts it is trying to tell you to SLOW DOWN.
Pain is good sometimes.
SJ
So I researched addiction and found this forum. At first they worked for 6-8 hours. Then 5- hours...after a couple years I was up to almost 8 pills a day. I cut back to 6 a day but the pain relief only was for about 2 hours each time. I grew an intolerance to them.
Before 2 years straight on these, I took about 3-4 pills every other day for about 2 weeks then off them for about 2-3 weeks, then back on. So I can understand now why they worked for me way back.
I also started to feel very irritable on the pills so I quizzed my doctor about this. I think the reason I got so irritable was because everday I went some sort of W/D. And I didn't like the way I felt when I took 8 a day. The next day I had trouble waking up.
I knew I had to work to support myself, so I told my doctor "I want a new drug." At first he tried to give me Oxy--I refused it. He wanted to give me that because it was a 12 hour time released med. I still refused it because I read too much about this one.
Then he tried to give me Ultram. I refused that one too because of what other people in my pain support group said about how that was a very dirty drug.
I told him there has got to be some sort of anti-inflammatory drug out there that will work on me. He gave me Voltaren. I took it during my taper from the Norco with no problem. After 2 weeks off the Norco, the Voltaren side efffects hit me. And I quit that too.
Yes I still have pain. Sometimes pretty severe. But like I said, it comes and goes. If it gets constant again..I will go see my doctor again.
But I will NEVER take these narcotics for years at a time again.
Sometimes when your body hurts it is trying to tell you to SLOW DOWN.
Pain is good sometimes.
SJ
Thanks for your reply...
In response to your questions:
>> When you quit taking the Norco for this week,
>> did you still have the bad back pain?
Yes - definitely. Moreso than ever.
>> Have you ever tried any other pain med for this condition?
I was taking 5/500 vicodin for a while before the 10/350 Norco. I was taking too many before they started working and (like you said) I didn't want that much aceteminophin (sp?) in my body, so I got the Norco prescribed. Other than that, just this past week I tried over-the-counter Tylenol, which did literally nothing...
>> I too never even had one beer or one glass of wine with my meds.
I'm confused by your post. Were you ever addicted? Or do you just take Norco intermittently as needed?
Thanks!
In response to your questions:
>> When you quit taking the Norco for this week,
>> did you still have the bad back pain?
Yes - definitely. Moreso than ever.
>> Have you ever tried any other pain med for this condition?
I was taking 5/500 vicodin for a while before the 10/350 Norco. I was taking too many before they started working and (like you said) I didn't want that much aceteminophin (sp?) in my body, so I got the Norco prescribed. Other than that, just this past week I tried over-the-counter Tylenol, which did literally nothing...
>> I too never even had one beer or one glass of wine with my meds.
I'm confused by your post. Were you ever addicted? Or do you just take Norco intermittently as needed?
Thanks!
I understand exactly what you are saying becuase I was somewhat in the same boat you are.
Ask yourself this: When you quit taking the Norco for this week, did you still have the bad back pain? If you answer No, then ask yourself "Why am I taking the Norco then?"
Also, Have you ever tried any other pain med for this condition?
The dosage of Norco you are on is really only meant to be taken for short periods of time. Look this up anywhere. However sometimes chronic pain patients do need pain relief. I am one of those. But I found out just how much pain I really was in when I quit the Norco's. Amazing that I could go many hours almost pain free.
And keep in mind, if you continue on these Norco's, it's not the opiates that really mess with your body physically, it is the Tylenol in it when done in large amounts that kills your liver and kidneys. The opiates on the other hand, help your brain to *remember the pain* thus making your body think it needs more of the opiates.
Just today I had a very stabbing pain in my arm, felt like my arm was broken. Normally I would have reached for a Norco. But within 30 minutes the intense pain had passed. Had I taken the Norco, it would have taken 20 minutes to take effect.
I too never even had one beer or one glass of wine with my meds.
SJ
Ask yourself this: When you quit taking the Norco for this week, did you still have the bad back pain? If you answer No, then ask yourself "Why am I taking the Norco then?"
Also, Have you ever tried any other pain med for this condition?
The dosage of Norco you are on is really only meant to be taken for short periods of time. Look this up anywhere. However sometimes chronic pain patients do need pain relief. I am one of those. But I found out just how much pain I really was in when I quit the Norco's. Amazing that I could go many hours almost pain free.
And keep in mind, if you continue on these Norco's, it's not the opiates that really mess with your body physically, it is the Tylenol in it when done in large amounts that kills your liver and kidneys. The opiates on the other hand, help your brain to *remember the pain* thus making your body think it needs more of the opiates.
Just today I had a very stabbing pain in my arm, felt like my arm was broken. Normally I would have reached for a Norco. But within 30 minutes the intense pain had passed. Had I taken the Norco, it would have taken 20 minutes to take effect.
I too never even had one beer or one glass of wine with my meds.
SJ
Just a progress update!...
It's been 5 days "Norco-free", and I've kind of decided that I'm no more "addicted" to Norco than I am "addicted" to cheeseburgers. Allow me to explain...
...I love cheeseburgers. I'd eat them every day if I could. I mean, I "can", technically, eat them every day but then I'd be fat and out of shape and have high cholesterol, etc. So, I eat a couple cheeseburgers a week, and I love it when I eat them. Do I "want" cheeseburgers for every meal? Yes. Does my body freak out if I don't eat a cheeseburger? Definitely not.
Same thing with Norco...
...I've had ZERO physical withdrawl symptoms. I guess I've kind of wanted a Norco each night, but not enough to be bothered by it. I've wanted a Norco after work in the same way that I've wanted cheeseburgers for dinner the last five days. If I have it, great. If not, whatever. I don't get all edgy or anything about it. It's been extremely easy for me to NOT take the drug (both psychologically and physiologically). I could very easily never take it again....but quite frankly, I don't WANT to never take it again!
Let me also say that my back pain has been unbearable, to say the least...and that's been the worst of this process the last five days. I've really wanted to take a pill or two just to ease the pain, but I haven't. I did try tylenol, but it didn't do a thing to help at all....
I'm just having a hard time FOR ME trying to decipher the difference between "addiction" and just "wanting something" (or "enjoying something"). I put "FOR ME" in capital letters because I know that everyone's different. I know that some people have VERRRRY addictive tendencies/personalities. I just think I'm lucky enough to not be like that...
...Am I being delusional? I'm still going to go the full week without the Norco, like I said I'd do. But I'm kinda leaning in the direction that I'm not addicted at all. I just like that it kills the back pain, and I certainly won't complain about the "warm fuzzy feeling" side-effects!
It's been 5 days "Norco-free", and I've kind of decided that I'm no more "addicted" to Norco than I am "addicted" to cheeseburgers. Allow me to explain...
...I love cheeseburgers. I'd eat them every day if I could. I mean, I "can", technically, eat them every day but then I'd be fat and out of shape and have high cholesterol, etc. So, I eat a couple cheeseburgers a week, and I love it when I eat them. Do I "want" cheeseburgers for every meal? Yes. Does my body freak out if I don't eat a cheeseburger? Definitely not.
Same thing with Norco...
...I've had ZERO physical withdrawl symptoms. I guess I've kind of wanted a Norco each night, but not enough to be bothered by it. I've wanted a Norco after work in the same way that I've wanted cheeseburgers for dinner the last five days. If I have it, great. If not, whatever. I don't get all edgy or anything about it. It's been extremely easy for me to NOT take the drug (both psychologically and physiologically). I could very easily never take it again....but quite frankly, I don't WANT to never take it again!
Let me also say that my back pain has been unbearable, to say the least...and that's been the worst of this process the last five days. I've really wanted to take a pill or two just to ease the pain, but I haven't. I did try tylenol, but it didn't do a thing to help at all....
I'm just having a hard time FOR ME trying to decipher the difference between "addiction" and just "wanting something" (or "enjoying something"). I put "FOR ME" in capital letters because I know that everyone's different. I know that some people have VERRRRY addictive tendencies/personalities. I just think I'm lucky enough to not be like that...
...Am I being delusional? I'm still going to go the full week without the Norco, like I said I'd do. But I'm kinda leaning in the direction that I'm not addicted at all. I just like that it kills the back pain, and I certainly won't complain about the "warm fuzzy feeling" side-effects!
I am very much like you but I don't have any pain. I take 1 1/2 7.5 norco only in the evening primarily because I sleep so well on it. It also helps because I go running at 5:00 am , 5 miles at least 4 days a week. I just feel more rested. I have been doing this now for almost 4 years (norco). Exercising and wt. training the past 20 years.
But am I addicted? I don't even know. I do know that when I dont take it Im very antsy with anxiety. The reason you don't need it in the day time if you're like me is that you are "looking forward" to it in the evening. I truely believe the brain will allow for this w/o the W/D's. I have 20 pills left and my source has disappeared and I'm desperately looking. You may not be addicted but you're dependent. Ive never had physical W/Ds other than the sleep patterns and some restless leg which was a bit@h.
I think the exercise has definitely been a major factor as to why my tolerance level is where it is. I also chew 1/2 of the pill and that's also an addicting behavior. Anyway good luck. I wish you the best and would advise if you continue to take, never do more than you are now. And of course Stop if you can. I just have'nt made myself yet!
But am I addicted? I don't even know. I do know that when I dont take it Im very antsy with anxiety. The reason you don't need it in the day time if you're like me is that you are "looking forward" to it in the evening. I truely believe the brain will allow for this w/o the W/D's. I have 20 pills left and my source has disappeared and I'm desperately looking. You may not be addicted but you're dependent. Ive never had physical W/Ds other than the sleep patterns and some restless leg which was a bit@h.
I think the exercise has definitely been a major factor as to why my tolerance level is where it is. I also chew 1/2 of the pill and that's also an addicting behavior. Anyway good luck. I wish you the best and would advise if you continue to take, never do more than you are now. And of course Stop if you can. I just have'nt made myself yet!
addict or not an addict....that is the question! very technical in definition and not an easy label to put on urself.....when u start worrying it is a good clue that trouble may be awaiting down the road or even now.....so u can go physically without it u just dont want to? ummmmm....i would do a test and not take it for a week ...if u pass then maybe u r not an addict....but if u can not go without it mentally or physically for a week...i would be a bit worried....so ask urself...can i put these down for 1 week and not touch them?
"I'd be very willing to try your suggestion of quitting for a week and seeing if I get sick. In fact, I'll do that starting tonight for sure because now I'm curious. If I do get sick, then the question's been answered. But if I don't, then what???... "
Well, if you GET sick, than you can either
A. Come to the conclusion that you are physically addicted and do nothing but take more pills to stave off withdrawals.
B. Tell your doctor you have a physical addiction- IE "You put me on this stuff.. Now get me off" And they will.
If you DON'T get sick, you can:
A. Thank the holy stars that you are not physically addicted and bag the damn pills- Don't take that for granted!! It happens to the best of us (phys. dependence) and if you happen to be ok, stop taking the pills. You do NOT want to be in a place where you aren't wondering anymore if you're an addict... You know. Start taking Motrin, or using cayenne, valerian, etc. for the pain. There are other effective means for dealing with pain other than opiates.
B. Keep taking the pills and when you finally do gain physical dependence, which is inevitable, look at it as a learning experience....
I also wanted to add, that physical dependence and psychological dependence are the same devil- One is not better than the other- You are still "addicted" if you experience psych addiction, or if you experience physical addiction.
It is a slippery slope, my friend. A slope that you dont want to...er.. slide on.
(Ok I was trying to say something all noble and wise at the end but couldnt figure out what to say.. LOL)
Well, if you GET sick, than you can either
A. Come to the conclusion that you are physically addicted and do nothing but take more pills to stave off withdrawals.
B. Tell your doctor you have a physical addiction- IE "You put me on this stuff.. Now get me off" And they will.
If you DON'T get sick, you can:
A. Thank the holy stars that you are not physically addicted and bag the damn pills- Don't take that for granted!! It happens to the best of us (phys. dependence) and if you happen to be ok, stop taking the pills. You do NOT want to be in a place where you aren't wondering anymore if you're an addict... You know. Start taking Motrin, or using cayenne, valerian, etc. for the pain. There are other effective means for dealing with pain other than opiates.
B. Keep taking the pills and when you finally do gain physical dependence, which is inevitable, look at it as a learning experience....
I also wanted to add, that physical dependence and psychological dependence are the same devil- One is not better than the other- You are still "addicted" if you experience psych addiction, or if you experience physical addiction.
It is a slippery slope, my friend. A slope that you dont want to...er.. slide on.
(Ok I was trying to say something all noble and wise at the end but couldnt figure out what to say.. LOL)
You may even find that while clean for a week that your pain is actually manageable w/o the meds, wouldn't that also be great?!!!
Best of Luck!
-Vic
Best of Luck!
-Vic
Trustme--Thats the same thoughts that ran through my mind 5+ years ago. Here I am now going through WDs even while tapering. If you are taking them for the buzz you are headed for trouble. More trouble than I can possibly have space to write. I to have legit pain, find something else! Opiates ruin lives---as you read these posts you will see how bad it can get. I JUST WANT TO BE CLEAN!
If you get sick, then it doesn't necessarily mean you're addicted, you could be dependent on them physically. Its if you crave them when you don't have them, that would be more indicative of addictive behavior.
A couple questions for you...
I'd be very willing to try your suggestion of quitting for a week and seeing if I get sick. In fact, I'll do that starting tonight for sure because now I'm curious. If I do get sick, then the question's been answered. But if I don't, then what???...
Also, I guess I'm not really understanding what an "addict" is? I mean, if I'm psychologically functional and if I don't end up getting sick, then what else qualifies? Just because I'm posting on a message board and being preventatively inquisitive?...
The whole reason I posted initially was just out of fear, I suppose. I really don't WANT to be an addict (obviously...who does?!). I know it's so typical to hear an addict say "I'm not an addict", but I just am having a hard time finding a reason to feel that I am...
I appreciate you all writing back, though. It's reassuring to know that there's a community of nice people out there that are willing to help. I'll write back in a week and let you know what happened and how I feel after being "norco-free"! :0)
I'd be very willing to try your suggestion of quitting for a week and seeing if I get sick. In fact, I'll do that starting tonight for sure because now I'm curious. If I do get sick, then the question's been answered. But if I don't, then what???...
Also, I guess I'm not really understanding what an "addict" is? I mean, if I'm psychologically functional and if I don't end up getting sick, then what else qualifies? Just because I'm posting on a message board and being preventatively inquisitive?...
The whole reason I posted initially was just out of fear, I suppose. I really don't WANT to be an addict (obviously...who does?!). I know it's so typical to hear an addict say "I'm not an addict", but I just am having a hard time finding a reason to feel that I am...
I appreciate you all writing back, though. It's reassuring to know that there's a community of nice people out there that are willing to help. I'll write back in a week and let you know what happened and how I feel after being "norco-free"! :0)
My personal opinion is becasue you do get a high from it, I would be careful.
I'm not saying you're an addict, I'm just saying be careful because its so easy to take more. I know I started taking vicodin after dental surgery and I just kept taking more and more. Before I knew it I was up to 8 a day and didn't even realize it. It was hard for me to think I was an addict becasue I was taking it for pain. But upping your dose is a sure sign and I obviuosly liked the high as well.
It's a thin line. But luckily, like you I realized it and tapered down and have been clean for almost 150 days. (which is longer than I used).
I'm not saying you're an addict, I'm just saying be careful because its so easy to take more. I know I started taking vicodin after dental surgery and I just kept taking more and more. Before I knew it I was up to 8 a day and didn't even realize it. It was hard for me to think I was an addict becasue I was taking it for pain. But upping your dose is a sure sign and I obviuosly liked the high as well.
It's a thin line. But luckily, like you I realized it and tapered down and have been clean for almost 150 days. (which is longer than I used).
It sounds like you are an addict, but it doesn't matter unless you come to terms with it.
I kept my addiction "in control" for quite some time before it became out of control.
It is possible, and common to be a functioning addict. You may not be losing your job, your house, your family over it, and you may not take 20 pills a day, but that sure as heck doesn't make you a non-addict.
It sounds like psychologically you are doing good. But physically= You can't take opiates for years on end, 5-6 days a week, and NOT have a physically addiction. Opiates are powerful. If you are taking them for pain, and pain only, and are questioning whether you are an addict, then do this just to be sure:
Quit cold turkey for a week and see if you get sick.
Take Motrin/Advil/Tylenol for the pain.
If you are unwilling to quit, I'd say you're an addict. If you think nothing else will work for the pain, I'd say your an addict.
I kept my addiction "in control" for quite some time before it became out of control.
It is possible, and common to be a functioning addict. You may not be losing your job, your house, your family over it, and you may not take 20 pills a day, but that sure as heck doesn't make you a non-addict.
It sounds like psychologically you are doing good. But physically= You can't take opiates for years on end, 5-6 days a week, and NOT have a physically addiction. Opiates are powerful. If you are taking them for pain, and pain only, and are questioning whether you are an addict, then do this just to be sure:
Quit cold turkey for a week and see if you get sick.
Take Motrin/Advil/Tylenol for the pain.
If you are unwilling to quit, I'd say you're an addict. If you think nothing else will work for the pain, I'd say your an addict.
I just read what I typed, and that was definitely a mis-post. I'd say it's 70% for pain and 30% cuz it feels good...
...But, regardless, I guess you're saying that ANY percentage of taking it to "feel good" could be addictive, right?
So weird. I really truly don't feel like an addict! I mean, if I stopped (at this point) it would be primarily because I'm concerned with long-term health effects on my liver or other organs...
I dunno what to do. :0(
...But, regardless, I guess you're saying that ANY percentage of taking it to "feel good" could be addictive, right?
So weird. I really truly don't feel like an addict! I mean, if I stopped (at this point) it would be primarily because I'm concerned with long-term health effects on my liver or other organs...
I dunno what to do. :0(
Hi,
Welcome! I think you answered a lotof your own questions in you post. If you take it for the high then...
If you only would take it when you have pain then that would be different. If you take it for any reason other than prescribed than you have addictive tendencies.
3 per night could easily trun into 6 per night. If I were you, I would only take it for pain.
Just my opinion.
Good luck,
Melissa
Welcome! I think you answered a lotof your own questions in you post. If you take it for the high then...
If you only would take it when you have pain then that would be different. If you take it for any reason other than prescribed than you have addictive tendencies.
3 per night could easily trun into 6 per night. If I were you, I would only take it for pain.
Just my opinion.
Good luck,
Melissa
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
