I've been taking Vicodin since the begining of October 2006. I started taking Vicodin and have continued taking it due to a series of medical problems that I've had since then. I take two at a time usually once or twice a day. I just want to know if Im addicted. Im not abusing them, but I dont feel good unless I take them. I guess thats why Im not sure if this would be considered an addition. Im not really sure what to think....
2007-04-25 11:09:57 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
Long term narcotic use does NOT automatically mean you're an addict.
There is a difference between addiction (abuse) and tolerance. If you are still having significant pain and the prescribed dosage helps, you are taking them appropriately . Your body may have developed a tolerance for the drug (that is you should not stop taking them abruptly, but gradually decrease the dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms). This does not mean that you are an "addict". But it could mean that over time you might need a higher dose.
Addiction/abuse is when you continue to take the drug when the pain is no longer unbearable, but you take it because you don't like the way you feel with out the drug in your system.
Many people have conditions or have had an injury or accident and may need to take pretty stong pain relievers for a long time. This does not mean that you're an addict.
However, if you're truly concerned about the issue, talk to your doctor. If you're referred to a pain clinic, they will help you be as pain free as possible, sometimes using the same medication, sometimes using something different. Their goal will be to have you functioning in your life as fully as possible, as pain free as possible,whatever it takes.
2007-05-03 06:21:31 · answer #1 · answered by Army mom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When the prescribed dosage stops helping the pain. Vics are highly addictive and should only be prescribed for a period of 5 - 7 days tops. And if you dont feel well unless you take them then yes, Virginia, there is a problem! You need to contact the doc who prescribed them. Im amazed at how you are still able to get refills. If your pain is still continuing after nearly a year, a good physician would have referred you to a pain clinic. The normal person would have questioned this long ago, but the fact that you havent tells me you definitely DO have an addiction.
2007-05-01 01:09:24 · answer #2 · answered by Debbie 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
easy. You want more and more of it all the time and get jittery and cant sleep or feel well without it ..The fact that u take two at a time may answer your own question. If you take 2 as prescribed by dr that is ok. If you dont feel good unless u take them u are definately addicted. seek help.
2007-05-02 07:12:48 · answer #3 · answered by donalore_43 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you are addicted, any time you take a narcotic on a regular basis for a long period of time you become addicted but if you have medical problems and pain meds are no different than any other med. if you are in pain then take your meds as long as you take them the right way then don't worry about it some people look down on this but some day they may find themselves in the same shape best wishes to you
2007-05-02 15:01:19 · answer #4 · answered by Ronni 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
unless you have pain - anguishing pain - then you are abusing the pills. Try ice on the pain area- that will make the pain go away -- if you still have a need - blame your local vet and go get another potion to help from another quack. Try ice while sucking on a tootsie roll pop
2007-04-25 11:17:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋