Probably a stupid question re: opiates, but HOW does one become addicted?

[Callie]

Obviously the generic answer is take them regularly for an extended period of time. But what I mean by that question is....If I take a percocet (I was rx'd them when I had my kids). I was told to take 2, I knew I couldn't take two, so I took 1 and I hated that feeling, I was worthless to my brand new babies in NICU, but had to numb the pain, so I started breaking them in 1/3. I just wanted to numb the pain, but still tend to the kids. I hated the feeling that they gave me. I was tired, out of it, couldn't function very well, just wanted to sleep ect. Thankfully my AH eventually took them off of my hands.

HOW does one cross that line where it knocks them out (as in me) - to it drives them, gives them energy, doing the opposite effect (as in AH)? I know the obvious answer is take more, but approx. how long would it take to get to that point, and to those who became addicted, what was it about that initial feeling that I hated so much (percocet) that drew you in to take more? Also, if you are or were addicted to opiates, will they always have the opposite effect than to say someone like me who never takes them? Even if you are off of them for years?

I am just really trying to understand AH's thinking - because of course he's fine, he can quit anytime, I'm imagining things, the internet people are messing with your head, they don't even know what they're talking about. I'm not like that... ect.

As always, thanks so much for your insight. You guys are awesome. I so appreciate RA's filling me in. You are so helpful to my family and I in our journey. My AH has NEVER let me in to that side of him. I only recently realized that it even existed. Thanks so much for everything you guys have done.

[Sugah]

Whereas you can't understand the perspective of an addict, I can't really appreciate or understand the perspective of a non-addict when it comes to certain substances. I've never taken an opiate, or drank alcohol, or ingested, in one manner or another, any form of speed and not wanted more. In me, those mind and mood altering substances give rise to the "phenomenon of craving." When I used, I used compulsively, and when I came down, the obsession set in - to get and use more. There was no "cross over" period for me, and physical dependence was only tangentially related to my addicted state.

Anyone who uses certain substances regularly will, over time, become physically dependent. Let me do one line of coke or have one shot of vodka or pop a pill for reasons other than a medically necessary condition - or for a medically necessary condition without firm recovery legs under me - and I'm off and running. I don't need to be physically dependent on anything to use as though I am. Physical dependence comes later, if at all.

So, I don't know that I could any more explain so that you could understand than you could explain so I could. We have different reactions to substances. That's why it's termed a disease, even by the AMA.

Peace & Love,
Sugah

[Lily]

I know I will always have that feeling. I know I will never be able to responisibly take opiates. If I ever have to under go surgery, I am gonna need a lot of support from my sponsor and my husband!

I got that feeling the first time right after taking just 2 vicodin. I don't know why some ppl react that way. But one thing you need to learn is that we addicts, it really isn't only about the drug. I know I was always and addict with addict behavior even before I did my first drug. I believe I was born that way. Have you ever noticed compulsive type behavior in him before?

Sheila

[canuhearme]

I could be wrong but I don't think opiates work the same on every one. My mother can take one and pass out, the first time I ever took one I was up all night.
Maybe a little like adderall works on kids, a hyper child takes them and calms down, an un-hyper child takes one and becomes a wall climber.

[karma35]

hi honey
i'm an opiate addict and all i've ever known is that it doesn't take long for regular use to become a physical dependance... here in england we call it a three day rule - seems (for me anyway) that if you are a former addict it takes very little to convince yourself that you can use for a couple of days then nothing and as long as that continues you'll be fine BUT... you are kidding yourself - for us addicts to even pick up once again is fatal... it means you are still in the grip of your habit and i'm afraid its true..once an addict always an addict.
i think that any drug effects each person differently so its hard to judge... i would add that one persons tolerance is very different from anothers BUT
again it still spells the same - addiction
sounds like he's INCREDIBLY lucky to have you...
please don't forget yourself in all this sorting him out - also you can lead a horse to water... you know the rest.
the reason i wanted to write this is because every day i'm trying to stop - i fell again today. BUT i won't give up giving up... your man has to decide for himself babe, and then he might get thru with help but it has to come from him...
my prayers to you and a lot of luck
light up the darkness (Bob Marley)
Karma

[windysan]

Originally Posted by Sheila77

I know I will always have that feeling. I know I will never be able to responisibly take opiates. If I ever have to under go surgery, I am gonna need a lot of support from my sponsor and my husband!

I got that feeling the first time right after taking just 2 vicodin. I don't know why some ppl react that way. But one thing you need to learn is that we addicts, it really isn't only about the drug. I know I was always and addict with addict behavior even before I did my first drug. I believe I was born that way. Have you ever noticed compulsive type behavior in him before?

Sheila

don't worry. i worried about surgery too and i had zero desire to do dope after i got knocked out with opiates/benzos by the doctor. i don't do meetings or sponsors so i have to support myself and i offered myself support after that surgery and i didn't even need it. :rof

[Callie]

Sheila - AH has an always had an addictive personality. I've fought that my entire M. It can be golf, dirt bike riding, trapshooting, hunting, fishing ect. Whichever sport he takes on he has to have the best. If it's fishing he's got the greatest poles, lures, tackle boxes ect. He even bought a boat. That lasted for a few years and then he sold everything. Golf - the best clubs, gloves, balls. Lessons 1-2x per week, leagues 2x per week then he may go out on his own a few times a week. That lasted about 4-5 years. He hasn't been golfing in about 3 years. The dirt bike phase lasted about 2 years, trapshooting about 2 years. Then he just tires of it and doesn't do it anymore. Of course because he becomes so devoted to whatever it is he does become good at it.

Interesting thing is that my SIL said that if I took a percocet I would be in bed sleeping, if she took one she'd be up all night cleaning. She is not an addict. Another interesting fact is that AH's step brother is in jail right now because he got caught stealing to support his opiate abuse. Could this be genetic? Could someone really be predispositioned to be an addict, but some pick up drugs and some do not?

I know when my AH was 17, a doctor prescribed him 150 darvocet WITH a refill because it helped with his migraines. Could this have started way back then, 21 years ago and just escalated to what it is now? It would all make sense why I've beat my head up against a wall with him my entire R.

I know some are probably sick of my questions, but just to finally UNDERSTAND how this all progressed IS healing to me. As always, thanks for your time.

[ccgirl2]

All great answers but I think Can You Hear Me said it really simply. People react differently.

My husband had kidneys stones one time and they gave him vicoden. He took one and was down for the count for 18 hours. I however can take an handful and my body says "yippee"

Like, drinking for me - eh! Gives me migraines and makes me feel sick, so I've never had a drinking problem


I guess if you don't feel good or like the feeling of a particular substance, your chances of abuse of it are smaller. Not that it would never happen, oh no sirree. But less likely.

[Lily]

I'll bet if I took an opiate as prescribed I too would fall asleep, but when I take them I get up and clean. Normal ppl who have to take them for normal pain, lay there and let their body heal from their pain..... I do know if I sit down I have been known to nod off....so whether or not it is having a reverse affect or not, I doubt it.......I just get up and do things that would otherwise be mundane because it is more fun with a buzz..... (cleaning closets, organizing the basement, cleaning the refridgerator, etc)

Just like when one drinks some alcohol even though it is a CNS depressant, when the buzz starts coming on, many are up, active, talkative, and running around....(in early use anyway before you become that bumbling idiot stumbling, black out drunk)

just a thought.....

[Peter]

I have never really understood the "non addicted mind" the kind who could take just one" and get up and walk away.

Similarly I have met scores of persons who never could quite understand it when I told them how difficult it was for me to stop.

[Callie]

But isn't the "non addicted mind" most of the general population? Totally not trying to be smart here, that's why I asked the question, to try and understand the "addicted mind" and what my AH is thinking/going through. I was astounded to learn that opiates do the complete opposite to AH and most opiate addicts that they do to most people. I really am trying to understand his side, his thoughts and why someone would go to the extreme measures to create these elaborate lies to cover up his A.

[marle]

Callie, If you want to understand the addicted mind a really good program is the "Addiction" series through HBO. Excellent program. Hugs, Marle

[karma35]

i just wanted to say i admire you for looking for a solution -alot of people wouldn't be so understanding -i wish you all the luck in the world cos when you're not a user it is difficult and frustrating to understand addiction and all it's facades - just don't fall for lies - addicts will say anything esp if it means they think you will leave it alone..
also i know you know but....it saps you looking after an addict and taking up so much of your day musn't become detrimental to you

set some time aside to treat yourself - even if it's just a wonderful hot bath with candles,good music etc

thinking of you
Karma

[karma35]

remember one time

boyfriend caught me smoking heroin on foil and i tried to persuade him that it was a hash oil and raw opium(alot milder than heroin because it's not refined and some how to some people more acceptable because it is in its natural state)
i also remember the look on his face.....
just a lil story
hugs
Karma