using successfully

[anotherfinemess1]

what does this term mean: using successfully?  does it mean taking Rx'd pills only as prescribed and not for that :) feeling? does it mean using recreationally only on the weekends?  it seems like an oxymoron to me.

[fairygness]

oh and awesome name...

[fairygness]

i think that is a little too easy, don't you?  using sucessfully?  functioning addicts?  isn't that something we say to make us feel better?  isn't that something our families and friends and loved ones say to make them feel better?  i don't know. i thought i was functioning, i thought i had it all under control.  obviously, i was wrong.  we all were.  i think anyone who "uses" under any circumstances has a deeper underlying issue that they are trying to cover up or feel better about in some way.  i do not think it is the same thing as using rx as prescribed for pain.

[Greatgreebo]

'Using successfully' to me is the same as saying someone was 'successful at commiting suicide' (and people do phrase it that way!)
Just wanted to weigh in.....

Greatgreebo

[VicodinHelp]

This was written by a 70 year old female and may describe "using successfully":

" have been using Vicodin approximately 10 years for pain control. After prolonged use the drug is now only effective for approx. 3 hours. Started treatment for pain with 5mg hydrocodone/500mg acetaminefen (sp), twice a day, now taking 10mg/325mg acetamenifen four times a day. My dosage has increased over the years but so has my pain. The drug continues to work for me."

it came from here:
http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=89736&name=VICODIN%20ES

I have arthritis and use vic off and on.  The day before yesterday I took 1 5/500. Yesterday NONE.  today 1/2.  

I did notice that my mid-back pain seemed less yesterday w/o the vic - but its my lower back, neck, and chest (costocondritis) that usually take it for.  I had diarea relly bad yesterday on yhe am and couldn't tell if it was from not taking a vic or taking the 400 mg ibuporphen which doesnt agree with me that well.

[jenny8575309]

I think it's a term used to describe non-addict users.  People that can use and quit, and whose life are not controlled by drugs.  This ones been a killer for me over the years, and it's hard to admit that I can't do.

[flmagi]

I don't understand it either. Unless it means, I successfully got high. lol  

[addictedme]

I dont if its the same but I"ve heard people say there functional addicts cause they keep a job and think they have it under control.

[formernurse]

Love your name.  We all can relate to it.   I don't understand the term "using successfully" either.       "Using" to me seems to imply taking a drug because it "feels good" not especially for pain relief.  Although even using for pain relief should be a short term fix, unless a person has a serious chronic pain condition.