addiction to pain killers

[Jay]

What are the long term affect's of abusing pain killers, i.e. kidney damage, liver damage, etc.? Not only is the loved one I am writing about take more than the prescribed dosage, she also mixes alcohol with them. She will get to the point that she looks and act's drunk. She can barely function. Can you give me some advice on how to show that we are concerned about her and where we can go for help?

[Trevor]

Your all a bunch of *******. U talk about how u talk 10 vicodan a day, by the way half of u are lying and spelled it wrong i take about 10 at a time to get high still ur all weak!

[shirley]

I know about addiction.I was addicted to pain pills and nerve pills for 20 yrs.I had been to 7 treatment centers.I was taking 20 loro-cet and 20 Xanax a day.I have been clean for 3 yrs.I can only tell you what it took for me.The last time I went to treatment it was for me and no one else like the times before.I went to get my family off my back.Only when I decided I wanted to really get serious and quit did I stop.My higher power who I call God was right there to help me.I went to AA and Na 3 times a day for 3 Mo.and after that I went 2 times a week for 2 yrs.Now I have as job and have had for 2 yrs.The ironey is I work for as a receptionest for a hospital where most of the Dr.I used to get my pills.HOW WONDERFUL I can be on the other side of the coin.Thank God I live a good life today.CLEAN AND SERENE.

[TINA]

my husband has a drug problem hes been relapsen overe and over well his back went out the dct gave him valium vicadin he say he not taking them his behavior is weird addiction sucks  tina

[mrdepressed]

I know how all of you feel with A vicodan addiction! I have chronic pain and I havent found away to make the pain go away! I take 8 to 10 vicodan hp's aday! for about 4 years now! I am so addicted it's not even funny, my doctors wont write anymore scripts! they got my this way and wont do anything to help me stop taking them, I have spoken to my wonderful doctor and he said you have to do it on your own! so I knew a guy that worked in a pharmacy and would help my fix! but he no longer works there and I have about a day of pills left, so I guess its time for the DT's, I do want to stop taking them, but I am in a position where I cant let anyone know! I work for a large state agency and they know everything! I will lose my job! I cant let that happen, I am taking care of my mom after my father passed away! what should I do? and Please wish me luck!

[Karen]

Carol--
The combination of Hepatits C with Vicodin and alcohol is particularly dangerous.  The Tylenol and the alcohol are liver killers anyway.  When you factor in the Hep C, you are really asking for trouble.  If I were in your position, I would find a doctor who is non-judgemental as opposed to one of those idiots who think addiction is "naughty."  Discuss with this professional the possibility of tapering off which shouldn't be too difficult with help.  You are on a relatively low dose, but it isn't low to your system.  The psychological part may prove to be more difficult for you, so you may want to find some support from friends, family, or online.  Also, try to find something to replace your ritual--meditation, music, hot tea, etc.--something to help you relax in place of the substances.   I have only my personal experiences with addiction to share, and I hope this helps.

Karen

[Dwnik@aol]

My sister recently came to us to get help for her addiction to opiates(oxycontin) of choice and other not so addictive narcotics. My advice is that if you feel your friend is abusing drugs or alcohol, you may try talking to her about alternate help. Bare in mind addicts wont accept help until they have reached the breaking point, as with my sister. You cannot force convince someone they need help unless they realize it themselves first. Our situation was that we were aware of the problem but un able to do anything about it where there is a law here in my state against "blue papering" someone into detox centers. I have researched drug addiction for 2 weeks and have come to see it  is more serious than we may assume, it causes kidney, liver, pancreatic, and mental disabilities if not treated. My sister has pain everyday from what they call " pill indiced arthritis" she is 27 yrs. old. Try to talk to your friend but remember that addicts need to accept they have a problem before they accept your advice or input.. Hang in there......:)