Do you Worry about addiction to pain killers?

[amyrising]

Do you or your doctor ever worry about addiction to pain meds? I am beginning to like my Hydrocodone a little too much. I worry I may become addicted to it. It seems to give me some energy along with some relief from the pain.

[Jules A]

Unfortunately opioids are extremely addictive and often have nasty, although not usually life threatening withdrawal symptoms. Opioids have not been shown to be effective in improving function with long term use and are really intended to be used very short term.

It is excellent that you have the insight at this time to realize that you might like them a little too much. Remember your body will insist you need these pills both physically and psychologically so the sooner you heed your concerns the better, imo. Wishing you the best.

[onlyairfare]

I think every doctor and most patients worry about the potential for addiction with the use of "narcotic" (or "opiate") pain medications because the risk is certainly there.

However, I think there is a role for use of pain medication when it relieves suffering and enables you to carry on with normal activities such as playing with your kids, keeping house, doing your job. things you would be unable to do unless your pain is treated. Finding the right balance can be difficult.

I am sad to see that some people with severe pain - cancer patients, amputees with excruciating "phantom limb" pain, those of us MSers who have severe pain as a part of our illness, for example - now have great difficulty obtaining prescriptions for pain relief because some people abuse the drugs and some criminals steal and sell them.

Amyrising, good on you for recognizing the risk that comes with "liking it a little too much." Maybe you could discuss this with your treating physician and figure out what the best treatment is for you?

[JBWInColorado]

I took percocets for 2+ years for nerve pain. Not constantly, usually just in the evening, after work. Sometimes up to 6 a day. I liked em a lot too at first - nice buzz along with awesome pain relief. But what I discovered is the euphoria/buzz subsides, but the pain relief doesn't -- they do work very well. At least with me - I got sick of feeling out of it, but I HAD to in order to control the pain. It got depressing.

I was worried about becoming addicted too, but I've never been addicted to anything in my life. As the pain subsided, I happily stopped taking them except when necessary. I still take them now & then for various aches & pains, and I still get a bit of a buzz with them but not like at first. If you're taking them for the reason intended - pain relief - the chances of becoming addicted is slim. If you find yourself taking them even when you're not in pain just to get high - then you may want to start to pay attention.

I guess it also depends on whether you have other addictions, or are an addictive personality... If you take them on a regular basis, every 4-6 hours, for an extended period, I guess there is the possibility of some physical withdrawal symptoms since your body is now used to having the drug... that you should talk to your doctor about.

If you're taking them for legitimate pain, and they're doing the trick and helping you get through the day easier -- it's worth it.

** Moderator's note - Post broken into paragraphs for easier reading. Many people with MS have visual difficulties that prevent them from reading large blocks of print. **

[Fed Up]

I did have a physical dependency to opiates and managed to successfully stop taking them (with mmj). Then I took a cruise and now I have M.S.;

I do not allow myself to take them for more than a week at a time. And NO long acting pain medication.

Just blows my mind to think 2 years ago I didn't need any pain medication and was completely off ALL pain control! fed

[Thinkimjob]

The man who does my garden has been taking prescription morphine for ten years. He broke a bone in his back and without the drugs, he would be in agonising pain. No doctor will ever cut off his supply, so he'll be all right.

My friend's father suffered from migraines all his life.
His doctor gave him morphine, and he became addicted. The old doctor left, and a new doctor refused to prescribe any more and cut him off cold turkey (this was 30 years ago). He killed himself.

[Marco]

I see a pain management specialist every 4 weeks for my prescription, interview and possible drug testing. While it's a pain to go in every 4 weeks there are safety features built-in this model. The risk of addiction still exists, but the pain management doctor has a much better opportunity to catch and treat it than your PCP/GP or your neurologist.

My pain management doctor removed me from hydrocodone because "they are highly addictive and long-term use can cause long-term damage." We tried a few different medication combinations before settling on my current regimen.

I was initially skeptical about going to a pain management specialist, but I am glad I did. I hope you can find a good solution to your pain.

[meb62]

I too see a pain management doctor every month. In the beginning it was every two weeks. That was to help monitor the levels of meds that she was giving me. I have expressed to her that I do not like narcotics as I have seen first hand what addiction can do to a person and family. It is devastating. I do know my responsibility as a wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. My love for those in my life is strong. I also know the responsibility for myself. I keep those thoughts first in my mind when I am dealing with the pain.

[kelm10]

other options

I too do not like, but like, the effects of pain pills.

I did see a pain management specialist for awhile. I needed at that time the medication regimen of routine medications and a prescription similar to hydrocodone. There are pain medications that are less addictive. I am quite the nasty person if I do not keep my pain under control.

Pain management specialist is a wonderful way to manage/supervise the use of long term medication for pain.

I believe that what is missing from most pain management routines is alternatives. Are you doing any kind of exercise routine, even if it is chair yoga or stretches. There is wonderful books in the library on this.

This website offers some exercise tips for those with MS and also has a free yoga dvd.
http://www.msactivesource.com/ms-diet-and-exercise.xml

I love (LOVE) getting in the pool at my local YMCA (the offer scholarships if $$$$ is the problem) even if I just hang on some pool noodles, sit on the steps, or actively do a water exercise class.

Massage, acupuncture, music therapy, aroma therapy, are all other alternatives.

Massage can be expensive. Check at local technical colleges that might offer student massages at a very good price. They are worth the investment. I go monthly and I have less issues then if I go when it gets real bad.

If you do not like anyone touching you, or you do not like the state of undress of massage, there is Reiki. This can be done without actually touching. It works on the concept of aligning your chi just like most treatments of this type. Check with local wellness centers, massage schools, or at the very least cancer centers (the often will do those without cancer for a minimal fee.)

Acupuncture, yes it is needles, but they are very tiny needles and play a very good role helping those with acute or chronic pain. This too, I do monthly, I get a special price that way. My particular Acupuncturist is also Anesthesiologist by trade. I like that he understands Western and Eastern medications. He has helped reduce my need for when I have surgery, he uses the acupuncture and anesthesia.

[tommylee]

Do you or your doctor ever worry about addiction to pain meds? I am beginning to like my Hydrocodone a little too much. I worry I may become addicted to it. It seems to give me some energy along with some relief from the pain.

Rx pain medication have other worries besides addiction.
Long term use can lead to liver, kidney, and other problems.

That is why I use MMJ. It is not perfect and has its own issues but for long term use, it seems to be the safest thing I could find.
MMJ does not relieve pain as well as most opiates but it takes the edge off enough to function and is not addictive. (but it can be habit forming)
No drugs are completely safe for everybody.

Trying to fight pain and fatigue at the same time is an art.
Most pain medications make us tired. Many of us struggle with fatigue.
Trying to subdue the pain so we can function better without putting ourselves to sleep is a difficult balancing act.

Diet and exercise seem to help promote feeling healthier and needing less pain medication. (helps me)

But if you are really feeling bad go ahead and take whatever you have to. I believe it is difficult to enjoy life or be productive while experiencing excruciating pain.

Even though I use mmj I keep some pain pills around for those times when mmj is not enough. I take them a for a few days a couple of times a year.
I fear taking them for long periods of time. They all seem to make me extra tired and I have seen too many people get themselves into trouble with them.

I think you are wise to be cautious with pain medications. They can be very dangerous.
But I also think it is foolish to live with pain if you can relieve it.

[KatieAgain]

No one should have to live their life in chronic pain.

I have a military friend whose back is slowly disintegrating. It will eventually take his life. He is on some serious pain meds...will be all his life. He did the responsible thing and sold his car and turned his license in. He takes cabs or several of us offer to take him shopping.

Is he addicted? Yes...probably. Does it matter? No...not really.