SPECIFICALLY A QUESTION FOR CATUF

[gipsee]

I know you have a ton of long term recovery under your belt.

I want to specifically ask you a question.

If someone is prescribed an "opiate" pain killer specifically because of legit pain.  Knowing fully well that long-term use can become problamatic, what alternatives would you suggest if the use of the drug was Rx, say for surgery, or debilitating pain.

Consisely stated... Is there anyone someone (anyone) (me) could take a pill for a problamatic situation and just stop.  Say after a surgery.  There are plenty of people who are Rx'd these things and get off them after a week or so, when they have surgery...

I'm not talking weeks and weeks of just taking pills because you have them to take... I'm talking about alleviation for severe pain that may come for a variety of reasons.

Your thoughts would be welcomed and appreciated.

Gip

[CATUF]

I'm no expert on this, but I have been taught that addicts don't need to avoid pain meds forever, at all costs, etc., simply because they are addicts; that there are times in most people's lives when there is virtually no choice but to be on them due to severe injury, surgery or the like.

However, that doesn't mean that addicts can take them like "normal" people.  First, the prescribing doc must know of my full and complete history.  It's virtually a must that the doc have some good knowledge about addiction (most don't - it's amazing how little the avg doc knows).  If the prescribing doc doesn't have the requisit knowledge, have an additional doc on board that does.  [actually, it's a good idea to have one of these anyway.  Addiction is a disease that affects almost every aspect of our lives and health and it must be taken into consideration in a variety of ways.  For example, did you know it's an absolute no-no for an alcoholic or addict to take anything with pseudoephedrine? Most docs won't believe that even when you try to tell them]

With the doc(s) on board and fully informed, there must be a pre-established plan for going on, taking and coming off the pain meds as quickly as possible.  This should include a trusted friend or family member who can hold the meds (were the addict can't get them) and dispense them according to the plan (and only according to the plan).  

The only other thing I know on this is that I've heard addiction-professionals say that you should "stay ahead of the pain."  I understand this to mean that it's not necessarily stoic to hold off on the next one "until you just can't take it anymore."  The idea being that severe pain causes severe stress and stress in the number 1 thing when it comes to reactivating addiction.

Hope this helps, I'll see if I can find out more.

[gipsee]

I was in no way asking "permission" LOL... I'm good, because of some Stomach probs., I couldn't/can't take NASAIDS of any kind.

Been taking Vics for 5 years, and honestly, learned how to abuse them the last two years.  But I'm finding that a couple of advil once in a while are keeping arthritic pain down.  

The reason I'm asking, is because I do write for a Med., Rag, Mag.  Distribution is small (100K) it's really meant for Surgeons... and the subject of drug abuse is way off my topic "column".

My Doc knows me somewhat on a personal level, although, we are not friends per se.  She's been Rxing Vics.. on an as needed basis all this time.  And frankly, I was too embarrassed to ever tell her I ran out... which I never really did... but I would store/save/hoard, and use more when I think I would need more.  My abuse was evident, however, a bit different.   I was on them for such a long time I needed to clear up my head for me.  Started feeling anxious, boom... Benzo's... started feeling what I thought was depression... boom.. anti-depressants (which I took for two weeks and stopped) they had a nasty affect on me.   I don't drink...(meaning I will have one at dinner occassional) as a rule I don't drink...so I have no hard #'s about addiction.  

I know that pain killers are prescribed.  After being here for the last six weeks or so I am very aware they are very available to anyone who has enough $$ to want them badly enough.   And you hit the nail on the head, I'm not really sure that the general PCP, or Surgeon is fully aware of just how many people are on this pill-go-round, and how devastating it is to come off these things after being Rx'd for more than 2 weeks or so.

However....what to do?   For some, they are necessary for survival.  To walk, to work, etc., doesn't make it an addiction in that respect, but the physcial depdenency is all the same regardless.   Meaning you stop, you go into withdrawal. I think it's a bunch of hooey, that given enough pain, it will eliminate addiction.  Physical dependence and addiction is a might fine line... or is it?

This PAW thing was something I never gave a consideration, although, symptoms have lessened somewhat but again, from what I'm reading, PAW and related symptoms may last for a very long time.  (Taking the Scarlett O'hara approach to this)  Today I'm fine, I'll worry about that tomorrow.  

Anything you have to offer, even Reading suggestion will help

Thanks...
Gip

[CATUF]

One more thing (from the BB, since this is important): it would be impossible to overstate the seriousness of an addict going on pain meds. It should never be done unless someone else with full knowledge of addiction and the specific addict decides that it's reasonable and justified. The addict has a brain that can't be trusted in this regard - hell, I'm sitting here thinking of surgery that might be good for me.

Now, I'm off to the Tuesday Night Mens Group (AA).