building "new healthy habits that can replace these addictions" is exactly what the meditation practice i teach is about. If you keep pouring clear water into a jar full of mud eventually the jar is clear and of course still has traces of mud that will quickly grow if you don't keep putting in the clear---if you don't keep up with your practice---if you don't keep going to meetings--etc.
And the energy of emotion (so powerful) is channeled into devotion. I could go on--but---well---then i would go on and on ---
Now about that question!!!! Where are you doctors who come on here. Here is a chance for you to introduce yourselves to us---please take it.
Omhome
And just wanted to add that in no way do I think it's just a matter of "will power" and just some simple issue. Yes...they are in great pain.
I think it takes a multi-pronged approach to first recognize the addiction, figure out what someone's triggers are emotionally, and then find and build new healthy habits that can replace these addictions. It takes time, devotion, and hopefully support from family and friends.
Thanks weathergirl---and my mom has similar issues. I wish more people understood the brain chemistry thing and realized how much pain "addicts" are in and how terrible it must feel to keep on medicating themselves and the whole thing just blows up in their face. I see al-anon and similar practices as wonderful spiritual programs that benefit all of us. They are not weak bad people---but they do have a disease--they are in pain--.
Many docs do not have the knowledge that al-anon participants do.
Keep sharing yours Weathergirl.
omhome
Every single person I know that smokes or has ever smoked has said they know they are "addicted" to them as it's not very easy to stop.
Thankfully I have never smoked....My mom did for close to 30 years but used the patch and has never looked back. She was also addicted to alcohol for many years. Her addiction now is food and is trying very hard to work on balance and getting healthy.
This just goes to what I know about addiction in that it's an actual brain chemistry issue that is different in people. Their means to do things in moderation...no matter what they are doing....is not working as easy as it does in others.
It's like a switch is flipped when introduced to things that "feel good" or are enjoyable. This is why the former alcoholics that I know state that they cannot just have "one" drink here and there....it needs to be an all or nothing.
Obviously I am not a Dr. and do not have any background in this except for many years in Al-Anon.
i am curious about this. Are people who smoke tobacco every day addicted?
Thank you weathergirl21 for your addendum, especially regarding the difference between the medication that can be abused by the addict and the addict themselves.
I'm not sure why you would make such a comment about the people who actually have true addiction issues? There are all sorts of addictions from drugs, alcohol, sex, internet "fun", food, etc.
The only thing that I disagree with others is that the pills themselves are not addictive or non addictive...it's the people who have addictive personaliteis that have trouble with certain pills. Medication does not "cause" addiction.
It's great that you have no issues with taking medication all this time for your pain....
But to disparage others who actually do have an issue with them seems a very strange thing to come on and post. I'm not sure of your purpose?
Posting word correction.... Third para. I am "now" dealing with... instead of "not".
Thank you
CMA_MD for comment.
I don't care for auto word insert. Always messes me up!
Unfortunately, they are very addictive. While forums like this are for us to get through our life experiences together, some posts such as yours are highly inaccurate. Percocet does have Tylenol in it, but in variable doses. Obviously, the oxycodone is the main pain reliever in most cases. As far as "addiction" is concerned, I agree with Kattiee that you are blessed that you have not experienced tolerance, psychological dependence, physical dependence or negative consequences from your use.
they technically aren't addictive while you are still taking them. The addiction comes in when you stop taking them and start to have withdrawals like sweats, chills, diarrhea, stomache ache, insomnia. Then you realize you need one more to make these things go away or you can just sweat it out and the addiction is broken.
Real site. I'm a new member. I was glad I stumbled onto this site. I read a lot of posts, and put my own up last night. I am happy to hear that you can take Percocet for 10 years, and have it help. Some of us would envy you for finding releif with no worry of withdraws if you run out or for what ever reason cant make it to the doctors to get your refills. You are truly blessed.
I have had terrible withdrawals from just plain Vicodan use for 3 months from one of my 17 surgerys.
I am a real person. I am 48, married. Trying to have a better quality of life for me and my family. Finding people who can really relate to pain. Some how makes me feel better that I am not dealing with my fears of more pain medicines, addiction, withdrawls, tests, and possible, future surgerys.
I hope you are well and pain controlled. And never have to go through any withdraws, or addiction.
sincerely,
they are addictive---you have been taking them ten years---ten years. and i am a real person---omhome