Results 1 to 17 of 17

Thread: question about addiction

  1. #1
    cameron_keys
    Guest

    Default question about addiction

    A few of the scripts my Dr. has me on now are addictive substances. I'm not really worried since I dont have an addictive personallity. But how do you know when the line has been crossed? I figure I'd like to recognize the symptoms should they occur.

    Frankly, because of several health issues I will likely have to be on some kind of painkiller for the rest of my life. I dont take them when I dont need them..but I take them quite frequently. I dont get high off them or whatever people who do them recreationally feel. They just dull my pain down to a tolerable level so I can function quasi-normally. What IF I take them forever? Same with sleeping pills.I dont take them ...I dont sleep. I went years without sleeping right until I found them.If it is for a legitimate reason...can it be called addiction?

  2. #2
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    4,704
    Thanks
    3
    Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts

    Default Re: question about addiction

    An addiction or dependence is a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in some specific activity, despite harmful consequences to the individual's health, mental state or social life.

    I've never had a problem with prescription pills, so I'm not sure how to define a dependency on that. But I'll talk a little about my personal addiction..

    Initially I started using to keep up 'energy' at work and it was fun. I realized I had a problem when I was using at home alone. It wasn't a social thing anymore, and it wasn't 'fun' anymore. And everytime I purchased it or used it I felt sooooo bad, depressed even. I even hid it from the people I was doing it with in the first place. I was spending more than three times my rent on it every month. And I had one person who I could talk about it with, but even to her, I had a hard time admitting it was a problem. I kept trying to justify it. And when I realized what I was doing to myself, I kept trying to replace it with something, especially alcohol.

    But honestly, I think I have an addictive personality, so if you follow your doc's instructions to a t, you'll probably be just fine.

  3. #3
    God/dess velvet's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2002
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    4,778
    Thanks
    154
    Thanked 279 Times in 146 Posts

    Default Re: question about addiction

    just because you dont have an additive personality doesnt mean you are immune from a physical addiction. a physical addiction occurs when you take something everyday. if you have been taking any one pain killer for over a few weeks, trust me you couldnt go cold turkey, yes you are addicted. there is no way that your body would not HAVE to have that substance after taking it for a period of time.

  4. #4
    Banned gingerlee's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Where the cool kids hang out.
    Posts
    4,103
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: question about addiction

    Cam, I'm the same way with my sleeping pills. If I don't take them I keep going. And going. And going. I've stayed up for almost a week and no matter how tired I was I could not actually SLEEP. I could nap for 20 minutes or so, but no longer than that. If I miss one of my seizure meds by more than 6 hours I go into crazy ass withdrawals, and even though I've been told it's not addictive, I don't believe it for a minute. I wouldn't get physically sick if I wasn't addicted to it in some form.

    So IMO you're addicted to something when you can't function without it. I don't care if it's a painkiller, a seizure med, a sleeping pill, or an antidepressant. I quit believing doctors when they told me that I COULD NOT be addicted to something I was taking, but I could be having 'discontinuation' symptoms from not having it. The things that I am told aren't addicting are the things that make me sick if I don't have them. The 'addicting' stuff I take (Adderall being one of them) doesn't make me have any symptoms from not taking them other than the actual reason I'm taking the med in the first place coming back.

    Discontinuation symptoms=withdrawal

  5. #5
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Your imagination
    Posts
    2,875
    Thanks
    19
    Thanked 174 Times in 119 Posts

    Default Re: question about addiction

    to me, a physical dependence on a drug so that you can live normally is not the same as addiction. there are doctors who follow this line of reasoning, but they are harder to come by since the government (USA one) decided pain management was evol.

    i know a guy with severe chronic pain whose body just devours painkillers. he CANNOT get high even if he wanted to. he metabolises the drugs so fast that even amounts that would OD many people are barely enough to dull his pain. he'll be on ridiculously high doses of painkillers for the rest of his life. but that is not addiction.

    addiction is generally 'interferes with functioning normally'. but then again, it is also kinda 'know it when i see it'. there are doctors who will work with you to figure out a consistent course of meds. i mean, there are people who will die without their blood pressure meds, but they aren't going 'am i ADDICTED to them?' you don't deserve to be judged for the effects your own medicine has on others with completely different physical needs.

  6. #6
    Featured Member needtodance's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Dear FSM plz send money to Oregon K luv you bye
    Posts
    1,491
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: question about addiction

    I dont know how your Dr would recommend you check... Mine just spoke t me about "test periods" of going off my painkillers for a week or so, just checking if hte compulsion to take it is there, etc. but it IS a slippery line.
    Quote Originally Posted by ExoticEngineer View Post
    My pussy eats vibrators like skittles.
    Quote Originally Posted by Lysondra View Post
    temporary abortions for everyone?

  7. #7
    God/dess VegasPrincess's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2006
    Location
    MKE
    Posts
    4,660
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 182 Times in 40 Posts

    Default Re: question about addiction

    No, I don't think that's "addiction" in the sense you are abusing those drugs. I have a script for valium, which I legitamately need if I am having a panic attack or whatever, feeling esp. anxious. I don't take it otherwise, and it doesn't make me sleepy, high, whatever....even though it has those effects on people who don't need it.

    I would assume it's the same for painkillers. However, my friend had a really awful back so he started taking them, then started abusing them. I think when you're snorting them up your nose or eating them throughout the day with a bottle of scotch as a chaser, that's a problem.

    Lol. Yeah, seriously, the fact that you're concerned about this is a good sign you are A-Okay
    Sexy Jasmine after getting fucked over at work:

    God loves strippers and when guys do things like that its an automatic ticket to HELL!


    Quote Originally Posted by anomar View Post
    Perhaps you stopped spending money on her. Strippers need money to operate. They are like coin operated juke-boxes of love.

  8. #8
    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Home
    Posts
    13,598
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 28 Times in 23 Posts

    Default Re: question about addiction

    The definition of addiction from Wikipedia:

    "An addiction or dependence is a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in some specific activity, despite harmful consequences to the individual's health, mental state or social life. The term is often reserved for drug addictions but it is sometimes applied to other compulsions, such as problem gambling, and compulsive overeating. Factors that have been suggested as causes of addiction include genetic, biological/pharmacological and social factors."

    You can be addicted to something and not have a compulsion to take it. Addiction is usually a drug addict, compulsive gambler, etc. But, it can and does cover people who "need" something to get something (as in your case, sleep).

    That doesn't make you a drug addict...but your body is addicted to sleeping pills, because without them, you don't sleep. So, it has a dependency on those pills.

    I think the addiction is when you do not have your means of addiction and just cannot function, cannot think about anything but getting that means, and just are focused on only the results of what that addictive substance can give you. So, for a crackhead...they just cannot do anything unless they have their crack high.

    A physical addiction is different from an emotional addiction, but they are both very powerful. Unfortunately, most people do not know when they are addicted...it's denial and denial is just as powerful as the addiction itself. I would say you will know when you are addicted when you start forging scripts, lying about being out of scripts, going to different doctors to get more of the script, or buying it off a dealer.

    Until that happens, I wouldn't think that you would be a "true addict". But, the other way to know is when someone you really love, comes up to you and tells you to get help. People on the outside will always see it much faster than the person on the inside.

  9. #9
    zxcire
    Guest

    Default Re: question about addiction

    There's a difference between addiction and dependence. Being addicted to a substance involves tolerance, withdrawal and social impact. Being dependent on a substance means one needs it to function as normal.

    I was addicted to alcohol. My husband was addicted to and dependent on heroin.

    I used to work in a dr's office and we had patients in their 60s and 70s who were taking doses of 1/2 to 1 vicodin per day for fibromyalgia or CFS and who showed no signs of addiction, drug seeking, tolerance, etc. Some people take anti-anxiety medications as prescribed and don't become addicted.

    It is possible to use an addictive substance in a non-addictive manner.

    How, I honestly don't know. I am unable to. I have used vicodin a few times since I got clean and was able to take it as prescribed, but I don't think I'd be so controlled with a larger amount. I don't even really LIKE vicodin...

  10. #10
    cameron_keys
    Guest

    Default Re: question about addiction

    Thanks all. I feel better now. I dont believe I am addicted. i dont take my scripts if I dont need them. If I am out of my sleeping pills ..I just deal. I drink warm milk or have a lot of sex or something to tire me out...the pills are just faster, easier and more reliable. Esp since it's my mind that need to be tired out usually and not my body.

    The pain pills I take as needed. With all my issues...I do need them quite often, but on days I dont have pain, I dont take them and have no craving or compulsion to. I dont get high or anything off them...like your friend miabella....I have such a high tolerance and level of pain that I couldnt get high if I wanted to. Which I most definately do not.


    So I dont have withdrawl symptoms when I dont take them and as opposed to interfering with normal life...they allow me to HAVE a semi-normal life. So by the definitions given here...I'm not addicted.

    I didnt think I was...but most people who are dont think they are...so I figured it doesnt hurt to check.

    Thanks again!

  11. #11
    Banned
    Joined
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    915
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: question about addiction

    About 2 years ago, I had to enter hospital to withdraw from a prescribed drug.

    I think addiction is an intensely personal thing and you should always keep a close eye on your behaviour towards said drug. If something doesn't feel right, check it out and keep in close contact with your prescribing doctor during treatment.

    I did write alot about my experiences but I chickened out and deleted it.

    Just try and stay aware of how you feel and how the drugs effect you, are they still doing what they're prescribed to do? Are you able to have any drug free days a week? Can you comprehend going without? That kind of thing.

    Good luck and wishes for good health coming your way.

    XXXS

  12. #12
    Banned Katrine's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2003
    Posts
    13,855
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: question about addiction

    Quote Originally Posted by zxcire View Post
    I have used vicodin a few times since I got clean and was able to take it as prescribed, but I don't think I'd be so controlled with a larger amount. I don't even really LIKE vicodin...
    Same. I've been given vicodin a few times after surgery, and would ration them to take the minimum, and never finished a bottle. However, other things, I can't control my dosage and usage...

    "Have you ever been to American wedding? Where is the vodka, where's marinated herring?" - GB
    "And do the cats give a shit? No, they do not. Why? Because they're cats."-from The Onion

    Quote Originally Posted by Mia M
    If a cupcake was tossed at me... well, I'd only be upset if it missed my mouth

  13. #13
    Senior Member Miaowren's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    167
    Thanks
    8
    Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts

    Default Re: question about addiction

    You need to take the pill everyday? Diabetics need their insulin? Poppy needs his heart medication?
    If complete psychos happen to be addicted to their meds then I say "Yay addiction!"
    It all depends on honest perspective.

  14. #14
    God/dess Will's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Boston-ish
    Posts
    2,328
    Thanks
    278
    Thanked 505 Times in 289 Posts

    Default Re: question about addiction

    Quote Originally Posted by cameron_keys View Post
    A few of the scripts my Dr. has me on now are addictive substances. I'm not really worried since I dont have an addictive personallity. But how do you know when the line has been crossed? I figure I'd like to recognize the symptoms should they occur.

    Frankly, because of several health issues I will likely have to be on some kind of painkiller for the rest of my life. I dont take them when I dont need them..but I take them quite frequently. I dont get high off them or whatever people who do them recreationally feel. They just dull my pain down to a tolerable level so I can function quasi-normally. What IF I take them forever? Same with sleeping pills.I dont take them ...I dont sleep. I went years without sleeping right until I found them.If it is for a legitimate reason...can it be called addiction?
    Obviously the doc has t balance out the risk to benefits of a drug, and there is of course always a possibility of dependence/addiction. But what’s the alternative? Chronic pain? That’s no alternative you can live with, so you clearly have a medical need. Also, people with chronic pain using pain meds have a different response to them both physically and psychologically and are generally less likely to become addicted, but there are many variables to that such as what drug (some have higher addiction potential that others), personality types, etc.

    Most of the people I know who took pain meds regularly for pain (vs recreationally) didn’t really enjoy the meds and were all too happy to stop using them if they could. Depending on the drug, dose, and duration (the Three Ds of drugs), a doc may taper a person down to avoid withdrawal symptoms as well as other strategies.

    I think your fear of becoming dependent on a drug is really valid, but it also sounds like you need them, and that’s what matters. I assume the doc is a pain management specialist of some kind. I find it’s best to have regular conversations about the meds you are on as they have to juggle a lot of info, but using them as needed for your pain sounds like you are doing the best you can to manage both the drugs and the pain, and that’s the best balance you can strike under less than perfect physical conditions.

    Hope that helps.
    A cunning linguist...

  15. #15
    cameron_keys
    Guest

    Default Re: question about addiction

    Thanks Will. That does help a lot.

  16. #16
    God/dess Will's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Boston-ish
    Posts
    2,328
    Thanks
    278
    Thanked 505 Times in 289 Posts

    Default Re: question about addiction

    Quote Originally Posted by cameron_keys View Post
    Thanks Will. That does help a lot.
    I hate pain, it hurts!
    A cunning linguist...

  17. #17
    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Home
    Posts
    13,598
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 28 Times in 23 Posts

    Default Re: question about addiction

    Quote Originally Posted by Miaowren View Post
    You need to take the pill everyday? Diabetics need their insulin? Poppy needs his heart medication?
    If complete psychos happen to be addicted to their meds then I say "Yay addiction!"
    It all depends on honest perspective.
    Uhh....well, I can't agree with you here. Taking the prescribed amount of a medication can work wonders. However, taking MORE than that (to get their high...which is what addiction is) can make them worse. Moderation...a high psycho is NOT something I'd want to be around.

Similar Threads

  1. Addiction
    By Pure in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 05-11-2008, 08:53 AM
  2. my new addiction
    By greenidlady1 in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 05-29-2007, 03:01 PM
  3. Help with addiction!
    By Sledge in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 08-18-2006, 10:16 AM
  4. Addiction
    By unbeleavable in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 33
    Last Post: 01-22-2006, 12:27 AM
  5. the other addiction
    By Miss George in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-15-2004, 02:24 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •