drug dependency vs addiction

[Guest guest]

Pain meds work in a couple of ways-- they give us the freedom from pain, which

in turn gives us the freedom to be more mobile.

There is actually certain brain chemicals that are adjusted by the pain meds.

Many of the anti-depressants work in similar ways. I can't explain how that is

right now-- honestly, my brain isn't pulling up the info even tho I know its in

there-- but these are really good questions to ask the pharmacist.

Earlier this year when I tried the Duregesic patches, I found I did have more

energy to face the day. It was like all the energy I put into fighting the pain

on my own, could be redirected into other things. It was heaven. (I was

allergic to the adhesive on the patches, or I'd still be on them.) So, my MD

has prescribed Oromorph, and because I'm imtimidated all to hell by the tablets,

I have yet to take any.

Too those of you who can take pain meds responsibly, I say use them. For me, I

know that my being in constant pain is an issue that not only effects me, but

effects everyone around me.

Now, to explain addiction vs dependency-- addiction again is when you use the

meds to create a euphoric state, and has the added component of using more meds

than prescribed-- not because you're keeping the pain under control, but because

you just don't give a shit about anything else. You find yourself

self-medicating just because you want to-- not because you're in pain.

Dependency happens when you are taking pain meds, and your body and brain become

dependent or resistant to the dosage. You find yourself having to self-medicate

between regular doses because your pain isn't under control. This is a sign

that your body has become tolerant to the dose your on. This isn't a bad thing,

it just means you really need to talk to your MD and get something stronger or a

different drug to control your pain.

Pain is the most misunderstood symptom that all of us have. The " old school "

MD's and staff come from the background that if you can't make the script last,

you're abusing. Fortunately, that tide(al) wave is changing. The new info on

pain control clearly explains that when pain isn't under control, patients will

find a way to control it. It's called survival.

Don't beat yourself up over using pain meds, or having a positive response like

getting up to do something-- that is what should be happening. You don't have

to be in excruitating pain before you take your meds, in fact- you shouldn't be

in excruitating pain first. Thats why it's called Pain Control.

Hugs,

Tracie

[Guest guest]

Pain meds work in a couple of ways-- they give us the freedom from pain, which

in turn gives us the freedom to be more mobile.

There is actually certain brain chemicals that are adjusted by the pain meds.

Many of the anti-depressants work in similar ways. I can't explain how that is

right now-- honestly, my brain isn't pulling up the info even tho I know its in

there-- but these are really good questions to ask the pharmacist.

Earlier this year when I tried the Duregesic patches, I found I did have more

energy to face the day. It was like all the energy I put into fighting the pain

on my own, could be redirected into other things. It was heaven. (I was

allergic to the adhesive on the patches, or I'd still be on them.) So, my MD

has prescribed Oromorph, and because I'm imtimidated all to hell by the tablets,

I have yet to take any.

Too those of you who can take pain meds responsibly, I say use them. For me, I

know that my being in constant pain is an issue that not only effects me, but

effects everyone around me.

Now, to explain addiction vs dependency-- addiction again is when you use the

meds to create a euphoric state, and has the added component of using more meds

than prescribed-- not because you're keeping the pain under control, but because

you just don't give a shit about anything else. You find yourself

self-medicating just because you want to-- not because you're in pain.

Dependency happens when you are taking pain meds, and your body and brain become

dependent or resistant to the dosage. You find yourself having to self-medicate

between regular doses because your pain isn't under control. This is a sign

that your body has become tolerant to the dose your on. This isn't a bad thing,

it just means you really need to talk to your MD and get something stronger or a

different drug to control your pain.

Pain is the most misunderstood symptom that all of us have. The " old school "

MD's and staff come from the background that if you can't make the script last,

you're abusing. Fortunately, that tide(al) wave is changing. The new info on

pain control clearly explains that when pain isn't under control, patients will

find a way to control it. It's called survival.

Don't beat yourself up over using pain meds, or having a positive response like

getting up to do something-- that is what should be happening. You don't have

to be in excruitating pain before you take your meds, in fact- you shouldn't be

in excruitating pain first. Thats why it's called Pain Control.

Hugs,

Tracie