hydrocodone addiction

[Buzz Kilowatt]

Originally Posted by Asylum101

Blue,

With that I will take a seat in the back.

Of his patrol car??

;-)

Buzz

[WA_NA_Survivor]

Originally Posted by Asylum101

That’s the problem. These drugs are way over prescribed for just about everything under the sun that does not even come close to depression, ranging from having the blues after breaking up with a mate to simple acne. It blows my mind how quickly these docs are willing to write a script for an a/d. My own father of 84 yrs had gall bladder surgery a couple years back and his gastroenterologist tried to get him to take Paxil afterward, three different times no less. My father said "For what, I am not depressed" to which the doc said "Everyone your age should be taking an a/d". WHAT KIND OF CRAP EXCUSE IS THAT!?!?! This is just one of millions of physicians who think this way. Can you imagine how many individuals are walking around out there needlessly taking an a/d potentially risking brain damage because they believe that they need it?

As I said in my last post, to each his/her own. I am not trying to tell anyone what they should or should not take. How one person is affected by a drug doesn't mean the next person will have the same experience, but that doesn't mean they won't either. All I wish to do is put the other side of the coin out there so that others can make a more informed decision and know the signs if they do experience them. In my case I came very close to taking my own life while ON the a/d's and I am doing much better off of them. While on them I could not feel emotions, I made countless irrational decisions that cost me thousands of dollars. I lost good friends. I stared into space much of the time with drool running down my chin. I couldn't read or carry on a normal conversation. I was basically incapacitated on my feet while on most of them. Not my idea of a better life.

We all react differently to substances. As an example, though at one time dependant on them, today I can take hydocodone without any fear of urges to take it continually and sometimes I do take one when the back pain is unbearable, but I pay a large price physically and mentally for about a week afterward flaring up p/w from the benzos so most of the time I just grin and bear it (alcohol I can do the same with but I suffer for a month, not a week). Yet I am reading here that others would relapse were they to take just one pain med or the likes, but can walk away from haven taken benzos for long periods without repercussion. Having lived through both dependancies I'm wishing I were one of the latter. Will power I have. Normal daily functionality I do not, not yet anyway.

I am glad there are those of you who seem to benefit from a/d's and this is exactly why I am not out here stating they are spawn from everything evil, but that does not mean they are right for everyone. Prior to my being prescribed that first a/d (originally for lethargy no less) I was willing to give them a chance not having experienced what they could do to oneself, but now having tried more compounds than I can count on both hands I know they are not for me and I would just as soon be shot in the head than take another one. That would be much less painful in my book.

Thanks for your input Asylum, based on my own experiences, I'm a strong believer in critical evaluation of the recommendations doctors make. Several years ago I agreed to try out Aropax (an anti-depressant) during a time that was particularly rough and stressful. I have never had true clinical depression, that incident was a transient event and didn't really warrant the prescription but I tried it with an open mind - anyway I used it as prescribed for a few days and I had to stop it because, once it reached a certain concentration in my blood-stream it clashed with my blood pressure medication and caused my blood pressure to crash. I spent time in an emergency room because of that. The doctor still tried to prescribe it despite his original negligence and from that point onwards, I now have a practice of checking drug interactions online before taking medication because I know that I can't rely on doctors doing their homework when it comes to drug interactions.

Since I moved State, a new doctor suggested Zoloft after I reported issues with insomnia, I knew that the insomnia would pass and I resisted her suggestion which she was adamant was the right thing to do. Despite refusing the prescription, I am now sleeping the best I have slept in ages and that's totally without any sleeping aid.

You are absolutely right, the true neural mechanisms of A/D's are not well understood and the jury is definitely still out on the long term effects they have. People often report being emotionally flat and parked somewhere in between the highs and lows of life when using them.

I'd much rather take the good with the bad in life and learn more natural ways of maintaining emotional balance - no drug will do that for me.

[windysan]

Originally Posted by WA_NA_Survivor

Thanks for your input Asylum, based on my own experiences, I'm a strong believer in critical evaluation of the recommendations doctors make. Several years ago I agreed to try out Aropax (an anti-depressant) during a time that was particularly rough and stressful. I have never had true clinical depression, that incident was a transient event and didn't really warrant the prescription but I tried it with an open mind - anyway I used it as prescribed for a few days and I had to stop it because, once it reached a certain concentration in my blood-stream it clashed with my blood pressure medication and caused my blood pressure to crash. I spent time in an emergency room because of that. The doctor still tried to prescribe it despite his original negligence and from that point onwards, I now have a practice of checking drug interactions online before taking medication because I know that I can't rely on doctors doing their homework when it comes to drug interactions.

Since I moved State, a new doctor suggested Zoloft after I reported issues with insomnia, I knew that the insomnia would pass and I resisted her suggestion which she was adamant was the right thing to do. Despite refusing the prescription, I am now sleeping the best I have slept in ages and that's totally without any sleeping aid.

You are absolutely right, the true neural mechanisms of A/D's are not well understood and the jury is definitely still out on the long term effects they have. People often report being emotionally flat and parked somewhere in between the highs and lows of life when using them.

I'd much rather take the good with the bad in life and learn more natural ways of maintaining emotional balance - no drug will do that for me.

That goes for me too. No brain dope for me.

[blueline]

day 48.....I had a bad night last night but today I feel pretty good, better than I have been feeling. The leg thing still bothered me a little last night but the Cymbalta helps with that. I had a lot of back pain and that is what made for the bad night.

I have heard alot about the AD's and I appreciate everyone's opinion. But I really think the Cymbalta is doing me some good. I can tell a big difference when I take it. So I plan on taking it for a month or so and then I may taper and stop. But, with my situation as it is, I feel that taking Cympalta is the right thing to do at this point. I take one Cymbalta at night and it helps with my pain in my back and with my RLS. It also helps me keep a clear head at work, and that is something that I must do. I know some of you are against taking AD's and I appreciate your opinions very much, but this is what I think I need to do for a little while. I'm surviving and doing ok.

Blue

[blueline]

Originally Posted by Buzz Kilowatt

Of his patrol car??

;-)

Buzz

lol.........good one Buzz

[Asylum101]

Originally Posted by Buzz Kilowatt

Of his patrol car??

That would be a first for me. Being good frinds with the local Sheriff I have been in the front seat countless times, but never in the back as a customer.

[Arura]

X 'Customer's',....Hangin around,... .................lol.........!

How thin did the line get, is what id like to know...???


re; Cymbalata,....Look on the Mental health board good thread there,...!

....

[blueline]

Thanks Arura, I checked out the thread you were talking about.....good information there.


By the way, the line may be thin...but it's still there and holding strong.....

Blue

[Buzz Kilowatt]

Originally Posted by Asylum101

That would be a first for me. Being good frinds with the local Sheriff I have been in the front seat countless times, but never in the back as a customer.

I've never ridden in a patrol car. I understand that although the view from the front seat can be spectacular, the view from the back can be truly arresting!

;-)

Buzz

[Arura]

I can move my arm's from around my back down my legs, n there's my hand's in the pocket honey... or now a day's on my lap....lol....Its been ahwile tho since i rode in a meat wagon...!

We don't Have GUN'S tho.......!!!!........ Thanfully....!

Amen...!

[ccgirl]

OK, good news, bad news. I'm on day 30 and except for the sleep thing, I feel good!


Bad news; my m-i-l lives with us, and she may have cancer (in the process of being diagnosed). Meanwhile, she has tons of pain meds in the house. I have asked her to hide them from me already, but I have to tell you, it's really hard knowing they're there. Any advice on how to deal with it?

[windysan]

Sleeplessness is the last to go. The mental part is always there but eventually you'll be able to sleep. Exercise helps a LOT.

[golfer99]

Originally Posted by ccgirl

OK, good news, bad news. I'm on day 30 and except for the sleep thing, I feel good!


Bad news; my m-i-l lives with us, and she may have cancer (in the process of being diagnosed). Meanwhile, she has tons of pain meds in the house. I have asked her to hide them from me already, but I have to tell you, it's really hard knowing they're there. Any advice on how to deal with it?

I agree, a big challenge is ahead of you. This will test your will-power...to the max. If you are feeling better and proud of your sobriety..you'll do fine.

[woops]

Bad scene,ccgirl.
Is there any way that someone could have them locked away somewhere - only to be administered to your mil as and when?
It's just too much of a temptation? OK - when you are feeling fine - but when your guard is down and the old addictive mentality clicks in............?
But - well done on 30 days! Great accomplishment. Arent you feeling so much better - even with the lack of sleep?
Sleep was a real problem for me. And how I used to hate people saying to me "no-one ever died from lack of sleep!" But slowly it does all come back - I promise. Just takes a bit of time....................

[ccgirl]

Thanks all for your great advice! I really do feel better. Almost my old self. The sleep thing sucks though.

My husband took control of the meds. He will take them to work, except for her dose during the day which she can keep on her, and he will dole them out to her as needed, as she's had an addiciton problem, too.


Have I mentioned my husband is a saint???

[blueline]

Originally Posted by Arura

I can move my arm's from around my back down my legs, n there's my hand's in the pocket honey... or now a day's on my lap....lol....Its been ahwile tho since i rode in a meat wagon...!

We don't Have GUN'S tho.......!!!!........ Thanfully....!

Amen...!

Arura

We have guns but they only give us one bullet, and we carry that in our shirt pocket......lol

Blue

[woops]

Originally Posted by ccgirl

Thanks all for your great advice! I really do feel better. Almost my old self. The sleep thing sucks though.

My husband took control of the meds. He will take them to work, except for her dose during the day which she can keep on her, and he will dole them out to her as needed, as she's had an addiciton problem, too.


Have I mentioned my husband is a saint???

Good move, ccgirl.
I think many of us have saints as spouses! But - you know - we aint so bad ourselves! I'm sure your husband is a lucky man............

[Arura]

Really Blue,..... Hum amen to demcocracy,...ehy...!

Thank God we dont have them,,.... as it turn's every one paranoind,...!
Nobout but hey I aint a cop,...??!!!

We all make amends...!
and im sure your slate is as clean as mine...Seriuosly,...!
Just remeber lots of YOUR 'Custmers" sat in the back of them Vans Crying after god know's what,...!
I dont forget i came from the Swear,... but hey we ALL change n just hope that you see the Compassionate side to that,... thats all, No major ting Hon...!
Its good to see you in Recovery ,...!
N fair play,...Yes im off on one n im sotra sorry,...just abit close to the Blueline,...n from what i can see there Blind...!
Totally my Experiance,...I stood there n watched a male rapest score drugs while the ploice dealt with something else,...I was gobsmacked,...as i put my faith in them 1 time?????????????,...n they let me down,...!
So Im learning Hon Keep it comin,...Always accepted...!
LnF,...A...........xXxXx,............

[blueline]

Arura

A cop is only as good as the man wearing the badge. There are good ones and there are a few bad ones. I don't know what cops are like in England but I take my badge and my job very seriously. I have for 20 years now. If you are insinuating that I cross the thin blue line then you are way off. I admit that I did let my body become dependant on hydrocodone but that was only after receiving two serious injuries while attempting to arrest drug addicts who were high on methamphetamine. I'm not whining about it because I let myself get in that situation, but the reason I had to take the hydros is because of five surgeries and a ton of metal implanted in my body. I had to take the hydros for a long time and my body became dependant. That does not mean that I live "too close to the line". It means that I didn't like what the hydros were doing to me and I did something about it. I don't cross that line and I never will. Believe what you will and criticize me if you want. Actually, I still need the hydrocodone for my pain but I refuse to take it. I am 51 days off it and I choose to stay off it, even though my pain is still bad enough that I probably still should be taking it.

Blue

[Arura]

Ohhh No Blue Im not critasising you AT ALL...! like i say i admire your Recovery,...! n Thank you for your Honesty,...as livein on the other side of the law for so long builds up resentment's n NON are at you...!

So please dont think that,... im just curious,...and stick with it as you are doing Great,...! No doubt, n i know the police are nessacery,....Dont need that one explaining,...!

Just keep at it matey,...and Im so sorry that the world is the way it is,..! n hope you dont have tooo much lasting pain...!

only in love,...xXx...

[blueline]

Arura

Forgive me...I have had a really bad day. I apologize.

Blue

[Arura]

No worrie's Sweetie they come n go dont they...!

But we just get on with it or what........ Great...!

Take Care Blue n hope that you are feelin better sooner rather than later...

[blueline]

Arura,

Thank you.....I get grumpy sometimes

[blueline]

Day 54 without hydrocodone......last night was really bad with the back pain. I didn't get any sleep at all. A cold front came in with cold rain and I guess that made my injuries ache more than normal. I haven't had a problem with the RLS lately so that's a good thing. I'm getting there.

Blue

[xjunkie4u]

Keep up the good work. I have had a few light urges for some pills but don't want to feel that way after a few day binge and dissapoint my family and myself. I have a neck problem that I could and have gotten pills for but it hasn't been that bad, luckily. I admire you for staying off the dope, (pills) with more pain. I don't know if I could.