Psycho-Babble Substance Use Thread 519345

Shown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

dependence vs. abuse?

Posted by Spriggy on June 26, 2005, at 16:06:03

My father has struggled with substance abuse all my life. I think seeing his struggle has possibly made me paranoid about becoming addicted myself.


I was diagnosed with lupus and fibromyalgia last month. The doctor prescribed Hydrocodone for pain relief.

I have been taking it daily but taking only one half of the pill per day ( i just break it in half). The rest of the time, I just take either MOtrin or Extra Strength Tylenol.

Even on this dose, is it possible to become addicted to it?

 

Re: dependence vs. abuse?

Posted by Spriggy on June 26, 2005, at 16:20:35

In reply to dependence vs. abuse?, posted by Spriggy on June 26, 2005, at 16:06:03


Is it shameful to reply to your own post? No.. I don't think necessarily so. ROFL

Anyway, I meant to add that I am going to not take this stuff today and see how I do. My aches and pains have gotten much better lately anyway.

I guess one way for me to know if I am addicted is to stop the meds and see if I wig out.

If you don't hear back from me, call for help. lol

 

Re: dependence vs. abuse?

Posted by calamityjane on June 26, 2005, at 16:31:45

In reply to Re: dependence vs. abuse?, posted by Spriggy on June 26, 2005, at 16:20:35

YES...that stuff is highly addictive. And I have come to find that docs tend to not really care about one's potential to become addicted. I think addiction is genetic and I also think that those who are predisposed to it have to be extra careful about it. Dont trust if the doctor tells you its okay to keep taking it. I would trust your own instincts.

I know a LOT of people who have become addicted to that stuff and its DESTROYED lives...


By the way, how have you been?? long time no see!!

 

Re: and how ARE you today, Spriggy?!? (nm)

Posted by sunny10 on June 27, 2005, at 13:10:21

In reply to Re: dependence vs. abuse?, posted by calamityjane on June 26, 2005, at 16:31:45

 

Re: dependence vs. abuse? » Spriggy

Posted by rainbowbrite on June 27, 2005, at 16:51:00

In reply to dependence vs. abuse?, posted by Spriggy on June 26, 2005, at 16:06:03

>I think seeing his struggle has possibly made me paranoid about becoming addicted myself.


Oh how I can relate! I dont know anything about the drug you mentioned but I totally understand your fears. If you are anything like me I think it may be difficult for you to become addicted, I just cant allow it...its weird, something internal. And Its in my genes as well.

Take care

rain

 

Re: dependence vs. abuse? » Spriggy

Posted by cockeyed on June 28, 2005, at 0:36:30

In reply to Re: dependence vs. abuse?, posted by Spriggy on June 26, 2005, at 16:20:35

Spriggy, aren't you the "hypochondriac dork" from some board or other posted 5/9/05. Yeah and a ministers wife to boot?
Look at it this way. Your body is already "addicted" to lupus and fibromyalgia. Plus you are addicted to "doing-good" and "service" It seems to me that you already have so much to deal with that anything that can bring relief from these illnesses has bery little abuse factor in it. You are seriously ill. So treat yourself seriously. I'm a boozer. I don't need it but I want it. You've got some really serious health issues. Stop being a "hypochonriac dork" and take your meds so that you can feel better when it comes to bealing with all the churchy people and self-appointed "god squad vigilantees" Frankly, "church people" are a serious stressor-I'd rather say "pain in the..." But then I've been a hypochondriac dork all my life. All the chest pain and depression was in my mind. My heartheart did not give a damn. It made me sick anyway. I take my meds and don't give a damn if I abuse them-i.e.-take more than prescribed. There are times when a double dose keeps my heart, it seems, from leaping out of my chest. Take care of yourself, you've got enuff to deal with. I mean don't beat yourself up, your body will do it for you. good luck, cockeyed.

 

Re: dependence vs. abuse - definition » Spriggy

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.

 

Re: dependence vs. abuse - definition

Posted by Spriggy on June 28, 2005, at 12:18:30

In reply to Re: dependence vs. abuse - definition » Spriggy, posted by AuntieMel on June 28, 2005, at 11:09:52

Thanks everyone.. and Cockeyed, you made me smile (and laugh!)..

I think the bottom line problem is that evaluate everything WAAAy too much and too hard. Even deciding if I'll take my pain meds.

So instead of saying I'm a hypochondriac dork (cuz' turns out, something REALLY was wrong, ROFL), I'll say I'm a "fret myself for nothing dork."

Thanks for the replies.

PS. and cockeyed, you couldn't be more right about the "church people." ha ha ha.. Felt good to hear somebody else say it. ROFL


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