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?

[lori]

I wonder if any of your families tried to get you into recovery for your addictions.  I have been trying to get my mother to get help but she insists she doesn't have a problem.  And my father just lets her take the pills and even gets her more if she runs out.  I have been working on how I deal with the stuation, but as long as mom is still using, my family is in turmoil.  My daughters don't want to see her and I really can't blame them.  And I won't force them to.  I was just wondering.

[Brian to Imus]

It depends what time period you are inquiring about.  My drug use lasted 22 years.  Started with pot, qualudes, acid and coke.  Ended with painkillers, first Vicodin, then Lorcet, then oxycontin or MS-contin.  Last time I quit painkillers (and I do hope it IS the last time) I was up to having to take close to 300mg oxycontin a day just to feel "normal."  Not high, just not feeling like I was dying the worst flu ever suffered.  Some other drugs here and there during the painkiller phase.  I thought I'd never be "happy" without my drugs, especially pills.  Now I can honestly say I wasn't happy (just often numb enough not to care).  Today I am pretty serene, grounded and living life.  Some days are good, some not so good but I OWN THOSE DAYS.  Really living life, good and bad, is the best reward I could ever have.  I do hope you get there too.  Best wishes, Brian

[Brian to Jay]

Long term physical effects depend on whether the painkiller has aceteminophen.  High dosages of aceteminophen, especially accompanied by alcohol, can cause liver damage.  Also, someone getting that messed up may have an accident (driving, falling down stairs, etc.).  Additionally, studies are indicating there may be permanent changes to the brain which may result in a long-term addict being unable to fully experience pleasure due to their abuse.  Finally, the most destructive things are not physical but are psychological and social.  Read the posts here about the suffering people are going through.  Addiction destroys peoples lives, not just their bodies.  My body barely suffered but my life sure did!  If you want to read lots of stories written by addicts (and also many by families of addicts) go to www.prescriptionabuse.org.