Posted by AuntieMel on June 28, 2005, at 11:09:52
In reply to dependence vs. abuse?, posted by Spriggy on June 26, 2005, at 16:06:03
Many medications can cause a physical dependence. So what!
If you are using a doctor prescribed medication for the purpose it was prescribed and in the dosage it was prescribed you might become physically dependent.
BUT - this is NOT addiction. Just as a diabetic needing insulin is not addiction. Just as needing thyroid medicine to feel well is not addiction.
Addiction comes about when you are using larger and larger quantities of a medication - and you are using it for purposes that it wasn't prescribed for. Like to get high, or to mask your emotions, or to hide from life.
You are wise to be cautious, but there is no need to suffer if you don't have to.
poster:AuntieMel
thread:519345
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20050602/msgs/520483.html