Anyone Here 'addicted' To Prescription Painkillers ?

[Trevor]

I take Tramadol and Paracetamol-Codeine for pain control every day, although I try to alternate, and keep below the maximum dose.

They give me the ability to perform daily tasks but cause lethargy, tiredness and insomnia to varying degrees. Eyesight is affected and it's even harder to lose weight in middle age. Hate to think what they are doing to my internal organs!

It is terrible to be reliant on these toxic substances but I have exhausted all other options. At least I don't look like a junkie; I eat healthily, and take pride in my appearance.

Just wondered how others on long-term analgesics (painkillers) fared ... ?

[jumnien]

I used to take daily Vicodin, Codeine and other stronger painkillers for an inoperable nerve and disk condition in my neck and various other ailments that warranted medication. Doctors were happy to prescribe. Long story but today I have been alcohol and drug free for 12 years and manage the pain through holistic means such as meditation and non-religious spiritual fellowship and devoting my life to enjoying life! My x-rays look just as bad as they did 12 years ago, but I just don't have the nagging pain. I am so happy to be free of the lethargy, tiredness and isomnia you alluded to. The long-term analgesics probably do more psychological damage than physical damage.

[Trevor]

I used to take daily Vicodin, Codeine and other stronger painkillers for an inoperable nerve and disk condition in my neck and various other ailments that warranted medication. Doctors were happy to prescribe. Long story but today I have been alcohol and drug free for 12 years and manage the pain through holistic means such as meditation and non-religious spiritual fellowship and devoting my life to enjoying life! My x-rays look just as bad as they did 12 years ago, but I just don't have the nagging pain. I am so happy to be free of the lethargy, tiredness and isomnia you alluded to. The long-term analgesics probably do more psychological damage than physical damage.

Thanks for your interesting reply. I do try to minimise drug use and tolerate the pain, but it's just so easy to pop a pill to get some relief.

Would you be kind enough to give some details about your holistic methods of pain control? Did you gradually wean yourself off the meds, and do you still have low levels of background pain which you just accept? Physical activity and just enjoying oneself in LoS are powerful diversions!

[Mossfinn]

I take Tramadol and Paracetamol-Codeine for pain control every day, although I try to alternate, and keep below the maximum dose.

Just wondered how others on long-term analgesics (painkillers) fared ... ?

Hi Trevor,

I take the max dose of Codeine and then 500mg of Paracetamol each day topped up with Tramadol when required.

Can I ask why you think you are addicted?

I have asked several Doc's including the specialists in bone treatments and the analgesics as a counter and they always state that the pain induced is always a counter-weight to the analgesic, hence the % of actual addiction is fairly low.

A lot of problems occur when people self medicate from over the counter pain killers and once the pain has gone, continue to take the pain killers, with no counter-weight, thats where the addiction kicks in.

Moss

[Trevor]

Maybe you're right. Just wish I could give them up though.