Am I addicted and what do I do?

Question

For the last couple months I've made some choices I shouldn't have. In December I overdosed on ibuprofen. Over time, this became more regular and now its rare to go two days without overdosing. My real problem is that I'm a teenager. I'm afraid of what my Mom will say if I tell her but I desperately want to. I want to get help but I'm unsure how. I've only told one person this. She has tried to help me to stop and is trying everything. I get bad headaches after I overdose. I also get very dizzy and light-headed. Its really messed up my basketball season. I need help!

Answer 1

Ibuprofen is not physically addicting, but everyone needs to realize that taking too much of any medication can hurt you, even if it's a non-prescription medication like Tylenol or cough syrup. You evidently have an unconscious desire to hurt yourself, and you could by taking too much Ibuprofen. It affects the blood's ability to clot. If you were in an accident you could bleed to death very quickly. Your behavior is probably related to the bad choices you mention that you have made, and you need to get your guilt out in the open. So I think everyone else is right, you do need to have a long sit down talk with your mom, and you probably need to see your family doctor about this. He can do some lab work to check for any damage you may have already done and then refer you to a mental health professional if necessary. Good luck with this.

Answer 2

I am very sorry you started such a dangerous habit, but you need to let your mother know, because taking too much Tylenol or Ibuprofen can damage your liver, and you need to see a doctor.

Since you didn't mention why you started this in the first place, I can't advise you on this part. But you need to have a clear understanding of why this has occurred, so you can communicate this to your mother.

But take a few minutes to relax and prepare yourself before you speak to your mom. It's a shame that you didn't quit when you got the first headache.

I hope whatever caused you to do this won't be a problem after today, and that you are completely healthy, and that all goes well when you tell your mom.

And I hope this helps!

Answer 3

First of all, stop taking the ibuprofen! It's a dangerous drug. It can and WILL cause your KIDNEYS to fail...... Next thing; you have to tell your mother what's going on in your life. You need professional help and NOW! I do not know where you live, but please check and see if they have a suicide HOT LINE. If not contact the local mental health center at once. I do not know your problems, so it is impossible for me to help you beyond what I have told you. NOTHING and I mean NOTHING is worth dying over. There is help available. If all else fails, call 911. DO THIS NOW. You will feel a lot better once you receive the help that you so desperately need. My email is [e-mail]

Answer 4

I know that this will have been hard for you to talk about, so well done. Its a good sign that you've admitted you have a problem - so thats a good start.
I work in a medical center - and i know that it is hard to come off such an addiction - but YOU HAVE TO DO IT!
It is damaging your insides, and will make Ibuprofen never work in the future when you need it for real pain. Your body will become immune to it.
You should tell your Mom, and get her to help you get help.
If you can, go and see your Doctor - everything you tell him remains confidential, and you will be glad you did.
I wish you all the luck, and well done for seeking advice.
xxxx

Answer 5

In the past I've done stupid things that at the time I figured it wouldn't matter. I didn't see how it would affect me in the future, and I never thought I'd get out of that rut. Well, years later, I've finally started maturing and calming down, but I regret the things that I did that back then seemed like it didn't matter.

I hope you do talk to your mom or get help from some other trusting adult. Not so much because older people are so smart...lol I know I"m not, but because we have more resources like money and ways to travel that can help you.

Answer 6

I really can't add anymore than the posts I have just read except show them to your mom especially your question, it'll show your mother you are having a serious problem but your 'taking the bull by the horn'. This will help open up serious dialogue with your mom and I'm sure she loves you and would want to help. GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 7

You are right. You need to tell your mom. You could kill your liver doing this....and without a liver it becomes quite difficult to live a normal life. If you don't feel like you can tell your mom, call up your doctors office...yes even on the weekend!

Answer 8

okay this is serious !!!!!
let me help you out ........
well first of all if you over dose on that its like doing drugs
its called pharming - over doseing on pain relif pills to get high
but what your doing to yourself is you are slowly killing your self !
look at anna nicole smith she has been over doseing almost all her life and look what happend to her --- she DIED!!!!!
even though i don't know you i feel symathy for you and im concerned!
From now on don'tconsider this over dosing concider this doing drugs!
Now being a teenager and doing this is drastic and can easily lead to death
you have to tell your mom because this is one person that you have to tell everything to she could be the one that can help you get out of this situation
she might scream at you but she has to know
i advise you to tell her today confront your mom peacfully and maybe she will understand
she is responcible for you and im sure she doesnt want to see you kill your self
you should talk to your doctor, see a theripist or even go to rehab
I feel for you and hope you do tell your mom cuz she WILL 100% of the time be there for you
I hope you over come this addiction and get well and dont make bad choices
take it from someone who knows

Answer 9

Hi tictac,
Addiction is defined by consequences. If you have had some negative consequences because of your using then yes you are addicted. If this is the case you need to see a professional (doc, Psych) before it gets the best of you and before you move onto something else to use. God Bless you and please talk with someone soon.

Answer 10

Whats more important to you? Your mom being mad at you or you getting rid of this addiction?

Plus the fact is if she helps you get over this you guys will be closer than ever.

Also pray.