Addiction VS physical dependence of narcotics

[NurseTracy]

I have been reading a lot of posts by people claiming to be addicted to their pain meds because they have withdrawl symptoms if they don't take them. PEOPLE, addiction is a psychological behavior where people consume the narcotic after the illness/injury has healed and pain has subsided. Addicts take these meds for the euphoria they produce and not for the control of acute or chronic pain. NOW, narcotic dependence, meaning someone takes the narcotic for pain in order to live some semblance of a normal life with limited pain, will cause withdrawl symptoms if the narcotic is either drastically reduced at one time or stopped all together. Dependence does not usually require any form of treatment or withdrawl program, in a hospital or at home, unless that dependence is bordering addiction.

Please, people, understand your medical conditions and your use of medications. There is no need to suffer because you depend on a medication to live.......after all, if you had to depend on insulin shots ( for diabetes) to live you would take those shots, right?

I'm not trying to sound condescending or like ya'all are idiots, etc.......you are very smart people but many times people, doctors included, don't explain the difference between dependence and addiction and will even use these words interchangeably. Learn the difference.......you don't need to suffer needlessly!

From one chronic pain patient to another.

[mommyneedingadvice]

I posted above question on this thread and now realize I should probably have had started new one.  I will repost as new question too.  Just in case you see this twice and wonder what I was doing.  Thank you.

[mommyneedingadvice]

I don't know if anyone can give me answers per say, but thought some people would have some insight.  I've never posted anywhere.  So here goes...

I am 31 weeks pregnant.  I have severe pain that is requiring surgery  and I was scheduled to have it done in January, but in December had an unexpected pregnancy.  My husband and I are happy, however, I can barely walk and have been on an increasing dosage of hydrocodone and now maxed out on 10 pills a day of  10/325.  My OB doctor this week wants to switch me to oxycodone as it is stronger.  I refused.  Don't get me wrong, the meds help, but I am definently physically dependent.  If I go over 10 hours (sometimes just 7-8 unless its just I my head) without a dose, I am VERY anxious and can't sleep, am sweating, stomach cramps, (diarehhea a few times I tried skipping a dose).  My tolerance has gotten too high for meds to work well and I feel it is time for me to get off of these.  My OB doctor does not think now is good time as pain is only going to increase.  I have appointment in October already scheduled with surgeon again (this will be month after baby is born) to get surgery planned again.  The past few weeks I have been taking meds closer together, sometimes 2 1/2 hours as they wear off so fast with the little relief I still get from them.  I get so frustrated that they won't work and that is why I want off. Its either get off, overdose myself (which isn't an option.....hence why OB wants to go to oxycodone which I have never been on).  My baby is likely going to have withdrawls too and my doctor and the pediatrician I am working with are expecting that and said they will be able to give him medications and get him off them.  I could just cry.  Why is this happening to me?  I can't ever get comfortable and pain is worse, likely from weight of baby and pregnancy, but I can't see any reason to continue meds that don't work.  How can I get off these WITHOUT withdrawls?  How fast to taper?  Since the medicatons are not working well, maybe I could get off or at least decrease amount in next 2 months so my poor baby won't have too many withdrawl problems.  I have been on bed rest mostly anyway last few weeks as I can't walk well.  I just can't CAN'T take stronger medication being pregnant even if it means just lying here in pain waiting for baby to come. I have been on medication for a year...or just about.  Total daily hydrocodone is 100 mg.  Ideas on getting off without getting sick or having such awful anxiety?  I don't  want to take anxiety meds.....like Xanax I have read is helpful....while pregnant either.  

Thank you for help in advance.

Sue

[BokehGirl]

Thank you. Well said. I am new here. So READY to be off Methadone for Chronic Pain! Am also a Hospice RN and CD family counselor/interventionist.

Walking the Chronic Pain path with hope for a Methadone - free future.

[NurseTracy]

Thanks. I will find where I was...LOL. It is now popping up on the pain forum.....??? Whatever, I think I will find it. I have read so many.

[ROSYouralright]

Yes .. Just go to the substance abuse forum where you first posted & just let everyone know that your on day 1 CT and you will be supported & encouraged through this. CONGRATULATIONS on taking your life back!

[NurseTracy]

PS, what are you talking about " denial?" I'm not in denial of anything. Maybe you could tell me what I am in denial about. Not ONLY addicts will try go off narcs CT. Maybe you just aren't familiar with all this? I mean, anything but an addicts view.mi don't know, just guessing.mim not here to fight with anyone, just wanted to give some real info and ask for support for myself from those who have gone thru this or are going thru this. I'm not a bad person, you know! I also don't think addicts are bad people. We are all, no matter our backgrounds, human beings and deserve to be treated with RESPECT & DIGNITY.