Opiate Addiction and Chronic Pain Medication
This catz gone wild!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Wonderland...
Posts: 280
Opiate Addiction and Chronic Pain Medication
Hello;
I am an addict, and I have severe chronic pain, and I am prescribed 2 MS Contin pills per day by my doctor, the pills are WATCHED, COUNTED, and I am NOT ALLOWED, NOR DO I DARE to mess around with my doses, but I still feel guilty and like I should not attend meetings and not be considered sober if I don't drink, use any illegal drugs, and NEVER abuse my medication. I have abused my prescriptions in the past, but I CANNOT do that anymore, nor do I want to. MS Contin is the best medication I could be on for severe chronic pain, for one reason, I don't even like effects nor have I ever liked effects of MS Contin (taking more than prescribed), it makes me very sick feeling, I was more into Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, so in discussing things with my doctor, and trying EVERYTHING to relieve my disabling pain, I signed a STRICT contract and I take one 30mg MS Contin in the AM, and one in the PM, and it works VERY VERY WELL for my pain, but I DO NOT EVER get HIGH from the these pills because I only take what my doctor tells me to take, and she counts the pills, and will start doing urine screening very soon (I admitted to being an alcoholic too). If I so much as have even alcohol in my urine or anything that is not prescribed (she is seperating the opiate test so each individual medication would show up: so if I took percocet with my MS Contin, she'd know, and I'd be KICKED OUT COLD TURKEY from the pain program, even if she found alcohol), this is a GOOD plan for me, it scares me to DEATH to think I could be sent right out into crippling pain AND withdrawal if I don't comply!!! She calls me in randomly, so I never know when I will be asked to present my medication for a count and do a urine screen. I think this will keep me very well on track now. I was having a hard time with drinking too much (see my Thread in NewComers "Jaz's Journal of Hope"), so I called and spoke to her yesterday about my drinking, even though it could have jepordized my pain program. But it didn't, she is willing to work with this addicted person to help me keep my job and stay reletively low pain or pain free! I will eventually have surgery for my conditions, but until then, I have to rely on the medication prescribed and monitored by my doctor. So any advice on whether or not I should go to meetings and consider myself sober if I don't abuse my prescription, don't take any non-prescribed substances, and don't drink alcohol??? Any input would be welcome. Thanks!
luv
Jaz
I am an addict, and I have severe chronic pain, and I am prescribed 2 MS Contin pills per day by my doctor, the pills are WATCHED, COUNTED, and I am NOT ALLOWED, NOR DO I DARE to mess around with my doses, but I still feel guilty and like I should not attend meetings and not be considered sober if I don't drink, use any illegal drugs, and NEVER abuse my medication. I have abused my prescriptions in the past, but I CANNOT do that anymore, nor do I want to. MS Contin is the best medication I could be on for severe chronic pain, for one reason, I don't even like effects nor have I ever liked effects of MS Contin (taking more than prescribed), it makes me very sick feeling, I was more into Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, so in discussing things with my doctor, and trying EVERYTHING to relieve my disabling pain, I signed a STRICT contract and I take one 30mg MS Contin in the AM, and one in the PM, and it works VERY VERY WELL for my pain, but I DO NOT EVER get HIGH from the these pills because I only take what my doctor tells me to take, and she counts the pills, and will start doing urine screening very soon (I admitted to being an alcoholic too). If I so much as have even alcohol in my urine or anything that is not prescribed (she is seperating the opiate test so each individual medication would show up: so if I took percocet with my MS Contin, she'd know, and I'd be KICKED OUT COLD TURKEY from the pain program, even if she found alcohol), this is a GOOD plan for me, it scares me to DEATH to think I could be sent right out into crippling pain AND withdrawal if I don't comply!!! She calls me in randomly, so I never know when I will be asked to present my medication for a count and do a urine screen. I think this will keep me very well on track now. I was having a hard time with drinking too much (see my Thread in NewComers "Jaz's Journal of Hope"), so I called and spoke to her yesterday about my drinking, even though it could have jepordized my pain program. But it didn't, she is willing to work with this addicted person to help me keep my job and stay reletively low pain or pain free! I will eventually have surgery for my conditions, but until then, I have to rely on the medication prescribed and monitored by my doctor. So any advice on whether or not I should go to meetings and consider myself sober if I don't abuse my prescription, don't take any non-prescribed substances, and don't drink alcohol??? Any input would be welcome. Thanks!
luv
Jaz
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: lynn,ma
Posts: 37
You absolutely should still attend meetings-you are not abusing the medication-so in my opinion you are not using! In NA they have a pamphlet just for this question called bulletin 29. It says that if you are on medication fopr pain and you take as prescribed that you are still considered clean. Look on the na.org website and in the serach box type bulletin 29.You should find some more detailed answers to your questions. And PLEASE don't stop going to meetings or let others opinions affect you. You are taking a medication because you need it-would someone on anti-deppresants be considered using? I think not, even though technically they are mind/mood altering drug. Anyways, hope I helped .
And I believe you are still to be considered SOBER!! But I guess only you can decide that for your self. But don't feel guilty for something that is prescribed and being taken as prescribed-that is not being active.period.
And I believe you are still to be considered SOBER!! But I guess only you can decide that for your self. But don't feel guilty for something that is prescribed and being taken as prescribed-that is not being active.period.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: KCMO
Posts: 102
You are DEFINANTELY still sober dude. No worries there. Like g2bs said, it's right there in our text - if you take it AS PRESCRIBED you're working the program. Get to a meeting and share this with people!! I can only imagine how much more it would help to hear these same things from real-life people rather than reading it on a forum. Good luck to you & be good to yourself!
Paul
Paul
NA Rocks!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Location Location
Posts: 517
Hey Jaz! Maybe this link will help. http://www.markelliot.com/naillness.html
I think your post shows how responsible you're being with your medication and that you really want your recovery. Hang in there, keep hitting meetings, and don't let anyone make you feel guilty. If you truly need medication, you need medication. Keep up that great communication with your doctor, too! I like how your doctor is keeping you accountable and honest. Sorry to hear you're in such awful pain. I hope, with time, it gets better.
Kelly
I think your post shows how responsible you're being with your medication and that you really want your recovery. Hang in there, keep hitting meetings, and don't let anyone make you feel guilty. If you truly need medication, you need medication. Keep up that great communication with your doctor, too! I like how your doctor is keeping you accountable and honest. Sorry to hear you're in such awful pain. I hope, with time, it gets better.
Kelly
This catz gone wild!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Wonderland...
Posts: 280
I feel so much better! Thanks everyone! I am going to check out bulletin 29, and re-read "In time of Illness" in the NA Big Book. I am also going to work harder at the program because even though I am held accountable for my pills, there is that sick twisted addiction inside me that drives me nuts sometimes wanting to take more than I should and/or drink alcohol to enhance the medication, etc... So if I stick to the program, don't use anything that's not prescribed, don't over-use my own prescriptions, and stay away from alcohol, I should be proud and consider myself sober and on track. That's all I really want. I want to be SOBER so bad!!! I have made it through 24 hours without a drink not only because my doctor is now urine/blood screening me, but because I just can't kill my poor body with poisons anymore and I want to be FREE and HAPPY! Most people use to become HAPPY, but as time went on, using made me feel so far from happy it defeated my whole reason for using! I keep reminding myself of that! It helps!
Luv
Jaz
Luv
Jaz
Reach Out and Touch Faith
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: On a Sailboat
Posts: 3,871
Jaz, you are not abusing. I am not abusing. I am also on medication for a chronic pain condition. I am lucky, I have a great relationship with my doctor, who is in full knowledge of my past addiction.
Do I volunteer this in the NA rooms? No way, I am a "don't ask, don't tell" kinda girl.
Do I volunteer this in the NA rooms? No way, I am a "don't ask, don't tell" kinda girl.
The truth shall set you free
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: United States
Posts: 5,267
God,
Grant me the Serenity to accept the things
I cannot change…
The Courage to change the things I can
and the Wisdom To know the difference.
I can surly identify. When I was in re-hab. Every week I would have to give up urine.
My re-hab counselor use to say every time she would ask for urine. For now just think of it as your higher power looking after you.
A sponsor is a good place to share about your situation.
The mentality don’t ask don’t tell got me right back out using again.
Peace and Love
Ivan
Grant me the Serenity to accept the things
I cannot change…
The Courage to change the things I can
and the Wisdom To know the difference.
I can surly identify. When I was in re-hab. Every week I would have to give up urine.
My re-hab counselor use to say every time she would ask for urine. For now just think of it as your higher power looking after you.
A sponsor is a good place to share about your situation.
The mentality don’t ask don’t tell got me right back out using again.
Peace and Love
Ivan
Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: out there...
Posts: 2,653
Hey Jaz! Good to hear from you.
If/when I have had to take prescription medication for pain management, I let my sponsor know, ask my network for a little extra support and hit a few extra meetings to reinforce my committment to getting through the storm. I reread In times of illness to remind myself I donlt have to suffer needlessly just because I am in recovery.
(((((Jaz)))))
If/when I have had to take prescription medication for pain management, I let my sponsor know, ask my network for a little extra support and hit a few extra meetings to reinforce my committment to getting through the storm. I reread In times of illness to remind myself I donlt have to suffer needlessly just because I am in recovery.
(((((Jaz)))))
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West Deptford New Jersey
Posts: 3
Hey Jaz. You are doing the right thing and in my opinion very sober. I recently had surgery. I was concerned because pain med was my drug of choice. I was directed to in times of illness. I stepped up more meetings and talked to people about it just like you. With all that I had the pain med monitored and was relieved that I didn't have a problem not taking it. Be very proud that you are not abusing it. You have proven to yourself that you are strong in your recovery. So sorry you are in pain and I hope you see improvement.
This catz gone wild!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Wonderland...
Posts: 280
For some reason I have been "blessed" with less desire to abuse my chronic pain meds, mostly because I know I'd have to SUFFER sereverly if I did abuse them and my doctor WOULD find out very soon because of OUR careful plan to keep me honest! But I do still have "slips" with alcohol and had one slip last night with one beer, but I am back on track today. I know that next week my doctor will be blood/urine testing me at least one time if not more to get started because I spoke to her about my alcohol abuse, and she's very concerned about me taking my meds with drinking, of course its very dangerous and even I know that! So I had this terrible addictive thinking take over and get into my head telling me "FRIDAY NIGHT IS YOU LAST NIGHT TO HAVE A DRINK, SO GO AHEAD, THE DOCTOR WON'T FIND OUT!!!!" so I did, but I felt so crumby after, I didn't bother to get anymore drinks that night and I read my AA and NA big books, and today I stayed SOBER! So I am getting stronger now, I used to be like "Oh I slipped, its the end of the world, so forget recovery, I'm going to drink/use all night long!". But I didn't this time! I stopped after one lousy beer and I even got a headache! I look back at it today and KNOW that I NEVER want to feel like that AGAIN! I never want to have to START OVER because of a LOUSY BEER! YUCK! It didn't even taste good! Rootbeer tastes SOOOO much better! So my plan and my doctor's plans to keep me sober WILL work! I will be strong, I will attend as many meetings as I can, and I WILL NOT let ANYTHING STAND IN MY WAY! I'll even avoid going to convienance stores for a while if I have to, I'll avoid the DEVIL on my left shoulder from NOW ON! I'm gonna get a sponsor really quick now! I need one! If anyone knows how I can get started with at least and ONLINE sponsor, PLEASE let me know! Thanks.
Luv always;
Jaz
Luv always;
Jaz
No expectations!
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,732
((((((Jaz))))))!!!
I got so excited to see that you had posted that I didn't even read the thread yet. I was just cleaning out my PMs and remembered that the last time I tried to respond to you, your mailbox was full. CLEAN YOUR PM BOX, JAZ!! teehee. I am just so thrilled to know that you are still ALIVE!!! I was really worried, you know? Thank you for coming back and posting!! Now I guess I should go back and read this thread, huh?
Love and hugs always,
Eddie
I got so excited to see that you had posted that I didn't even read the thread yet. I was just cleaning out my PMs and remembered that the last time I tried to respond to you, your mailbox was full. CLEAN YOUR PM BOX, JAZ!! teehee. I am just so thrilled to know that you are still ALIVE!!! I was really worried, you know? Thank you for coming back and posting!! Now I guess I should go back and read this thread, huh?
Love and hugs always,
Eddie
No expectations!
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,732
Well, I read it all and I'm so glad you're doing better than when last I heard from you!! You know, I'm subject to random drug screens six days a week year-round and I am grateful for it, too. It's part of how my HP works in my life. In fact, I had a positive screen for alcohol (a false positive, of course) and that's how I found out I have diabetes and had to get serious about losing weight. So I'm all for anything that helps us stay clean, including all the monitoring.
Hope you post again soon!!
Love and hugs,
Eddie
Hope you post again soon!!
Love and hugs,
Eddie
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West Deptford New Jersey
Posts: 3
Hey Jaz. Glad you feel better. No matter what keep coming back. You will get it. I think you are getting on the right track. Drug screening and medication monitoring can be great. I had mine watched because we cant do it alone. This is a we program for sure. Getting a sponsor and network of people is good to so you can always pick up the phone. It is so nice to see you are coming out and talking about it. You can do it and you will. Just keep it simple and remember just for today. Love and respect and lots of hugs!!!!!!!!!!!
No expectations!
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,732
Hey, Serenity!! I just realized you're a new member here. WELCOME to SoberRecovery and to our NA forum!! Glad you're here sharing with us!!
Jaz,
Do get a "real" sponsor ASAP. I think that has been probably one of the biggest holes in your recovery, not having a sponsor. To me, and this is just MHO, online sponsorship is sort of a last resort for people who can't get out or are in remote areas. You need a face-to-face sponsor and that is, I believe, available to you in your situation.
You don't by any chance have Don W.'s phone number or address, do you? He's been out on a relapse, sadly, and we are very worried about him, too.
Take care, girlfriend!!
Love and hugs,
Eddie
Jaz,
Do get a "real" sponsor ASAP. I think that has been probably one of the biggest holes in your recovery, not having a sponsor. To me, and this is just MHO, online sponsorship is sort of a last resort for people who can't get out or are in remote areas. You need a face-to-face sponsor and that is, I believe, available to you in your situation.
You don't by any chance have Don W.'s phone number or address, do you? He's been out on a relapse, sadly, and we are very worried about him, too.
Take care, girlfriend!!
Love and hugs,
Eddie
If I only knew what I know now
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lost in Space
Posts: 12
Hi,
Good for you, that you and doctor are working as one. My B/F is on the methadone program now for three years as he had back surgery, and now an addict to the very pills that took away his pain in his back was taking the pian of everyday life, well he had take homes, and was given a contract like you though he did not listen to me when I said they will be doing a pill count where he goes for too many deaths have happened this past few months, so he was short on all pills, very short and now if he is lucky he will get his oxy and take them like he should, I can't hold them I would eat them, we have been togather now for 15 years and both of us are opiate addicts, God I love this drug, yet hate it, I was in wonderland when the sellers came through for me I spent 600.00 in one day on pills and now five days later I have just enough to do a reduction, I may have to stay at my sisters and have her hold and give issue them out to me, she is clean and cocaine is her main thing plus she gets urine tests...
Good for you, that you and doctor are working as one. My B/F is on the methadone program now for three years as he had back surgery, and now an addict to the very pills that took away his pain in his back was taking the pian of everyday life, well he had take homes, and was given a contract like you though he did not listen to me when I said they will be doing a pill count where he goes for too many deaths have happened this past few months, so he was short on all pills, very short and now if he is lucky he will get his oxy and take them like he should, I can't hold them I would eat them, we have been togather now for 15 years and both of us are opiate addicts, God I love this drug, yet hate it, I was in wonderland when the sellers came through for me I spent 600.00 in one day on pills and now five days later I have just enough to do a reduction, I may have to stay at my sisters and have her hold and give issue them out to me, she is clean and cocaine is her main thing plus she gets urine tests...
No expectations!
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,732
(((((zapper))))) My husband and I used together and we found it really helpful at first to spend some time apart so that each of us could get a solid foundation in recovery. Maybe staying at your sister's for a while is a good idea. Wish you the best!!
Love and hugs,
Eddie
P.S. Now where has Jaz gotten to?
Love and hugs,
Eddie
P.S. Now where has Jaz gotten to?
This catz gone wild!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Wonderland...
Posts: 280
OMG!!!!! (((((((((((((EDDIE!!!!!!!!!!))))))))))))))))))))) I thought you ran away!I didnt' realize my mailbox was full, I sent something to you last month or something and never heard back, so I figured you were busy with you new job and stuff. I had NO DOUBT that you were still in the program and KNEW that you didn't go back out, but I started to worry after posting a few times and not hearing anything from you. I'll clean my mailbox out RIGHT NOW! I love you girl!
Zapper, hang in there! Its hard as HELL but its worth it! I'm right here beside you doing the SAME THING! Spending time away from your hubby would be a good thing because the both of you together can influence one another and what may be your relapse or his relapse becomes BOTH of your relapse, so stick it out, take time away, call each other for support, but most of all, work on yourself!
Welcome Serenity! Glad that you read and responded to my post! Hang in there, and welcome to the journey! Lets all travel together!
Thanks everyone!
Luv
Jaz
Zapper, hang in there! Its hard as HELL but its worth it! I'm right here beside you doing the SAME THING! Spending time away from your hubby would be a good thing because the both of you together can influence one another and what may be your relapse or his relapse becomes BOTH of your relapse, so stick it out, take time away, call each other for support, but most of all, work on yourself!
Welcome Serenity! Glad that you read and responded to my post! Hang in there, and welcome to the journey! Lets all travel together!
Thanks everyone!
Luv
Jaz
Putting it all together
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: St. Louis, MO.
Posts: 469
It is JUST an opinion........
Originally Posted by jazpoppy
Hello;
I am an addict, and I have severe chronic pain, and I am prescribed 2 MS Contin pills per day by my doctor, the pills are WATCHED, COUNTED, and I am NOT ALLOWED, NOR DO I DARE to mess around with my doses, but I still feel guilty and like I should not attend meetings and not be considered sober if I don't drink, use any illegal drugs, and NEVER abuse my medication. I have abused my prescriptions in the past, but I CANNOT do that anymore, nor do I want to. MS Contin is the best medication I could be on for severe chronic pain, for one reason, I don't even like effects nor have I ever liked effects of MS Contin (taking more than prescribed), it makes me very sick feeling, I was more into Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, so in discussing things with my doctor, and trying EVERYTHING to relieve my disabling pain, I signed a STRICT contract and I take one 30mg MS Contin in the AM, and one in the PM, and it works VERY VERY WELL for my pain, but I DO NOT EVER get HIGH from the these pills because I only take what my doctor tells me to take, and she counts the pills, and will start doing urine screening very soon (I admitted to being an alcoholic too). If I so much as have even alcohol in my urine or anything that is not prescribed (she is seperating the opiate test so each individual medication would show up: so if I took percocet with my MS Contin, she'd know, and I'd be KICKED OUT COLD TURKEY from the pain program, even if she found alcohol), this is a GOOD plan for me, it scares me to DEATH to think I could be sent right out into crippling pain AND withdrawal if I don't comply!!! She calls me in randomly, so I never know when I will be asked to present my medication for a count and do a urine screen. I think this will keep me very well on track now. I was having a hard time with drinking too much (see my Thread in NewComers "Jaz's Journal of Hope"), so I called and spoke to her yesterday about my drinking, even though it could have jepordized my pain program. But it didn't, she is willing to work with this addicted person to help me keep my job and stay reletively low pain or pain free! I will eventually have surgery for my conditions, but until then, I have to rely on the medication prescribed and monitored by my doctor. So any advice on whether or not I should go to meetings and consider myself sober if I don't abuse my prescription, don't take any non-prescribed substances, and don't drink alcohol??? Any input would be welcome. Thanks!
luv
Jaz
I am an addict, and I have severe chronic pain, and I am prescribed 2 MS Contin pills per day by my doctor, the pills are WATCHED, COUNTED, and I am NOT ALLOWED, NOR DO I DARE to mess around with my doses, but I still feel guilty and like I should not attend meetings and not be considered sober if I don't drink, use any illegal drugs, and NEVER abuse my medication. I have abused my prescriptions in the past, but I CANNOT do that anymore, nor do I want to. MS Contin is the best medication I could be on for severe chronic pain, for one reason, I don't even like effects nor have I ever liked effects of MS Contin (taking more than prescribed), it makes me very sick feeling, I was more into Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, so in discussing things with my doctor, and trying EVERYTHING to relieve my disabling pain, I signed a STRICT contract and I take one 30mg MS Contin in the AM, and one in the PM, and it works VERY VERY WELL for my pain, but I DO NOT EVER get HIGH from the these pills because I only take what my doctor tells me to take, and she counts the pills, and will start doing urine screening very soon (I admitted to being an alcoholic too). If I so much as have even alcohol in my urine or anything that is not prescribed (she is seperating the opiate test so each individual medication would show up: so if I took percocet with my MS Contin, she'd know, and I'd be KICKED OUT COLD TURKEY from the pain program, even if she found alcohol), this is a GOOD plan for me, it scares me to DEATH to think I could be sent right out into crippling pain AND withdrawal if I don't comply!!! She calls me in randomly, so I never know when I will be asked to present my medication for a count and do a urine screen. I think this will keep me very well on track now. I was having a hard time with drinking too much (see my Thread in NewComers "Jaz's Journal of Hope"), so I called and spoke to her yesterday about my drinking, even though it could have jepordized my pain program. But it didn't, she is willing to work with this addicted person to help me keep my job and stay reletively low pain or pain free! I will eventually have surgery for my conditions, but until then, I have to rely on the medication prescribed and monitored by my doctor. So any advice on whether or not I should go to meetings and consider myself sober if I don't abuse my prescription, don't take any non-prescribed substances, and don't drink alcohol??? Any input would be welcome. Thanks!
luv
Jaz
Putting it all together
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: St. Louis, MO.
Posts: 469
It is just an opinion.....
Originally Posted by jazpoppy
Hello;
I am an addict, and I have severe chronic pain, and I am prescribed 2 MS Contin pills per day by my doctor, the pills are WATCHED, COUNTED, and I am NOT ALLOWED, NOR DO I DARE to mess around with my doses, but I still feel guilty and like I should not attend meetings and not be considered sober if I don't drink, use any illegal drugs, and NEVER abuse my medication. I have abused my prescriptions in the past, but I CANNOT do that anymore, nor do I want to. MS Contin is the best medication I could be on for severe chronic pain, for one reason, I don't even like effects nor have I ever liked effects of MS Contin (taking more than prescribed), it makes me very sick feeling, I was more into Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, so in discussing things with my doctor, and trying EVERYTHING to relieve my disabling pain, I signed a STRICT contract and I take one 30mg MS Contin in the AM, and one in the PM, and it works VERY VERY WELL for my pain, but I DO NOT EVER get HIGH from the these pills because I only take what my doctor tells me to take, and she counts the pills, and will start doing urine screening very soon (I admitted to being an alcoholic too). If I so much as have even alcohol in my urine or anything that is not prescribed (she is seperating the opiate test so each individual medication would show up: so if I took percocet with my MS Contin, she'd know, and I'd be KICKED OUT COLD TURKEY from the pain program, even if she found alcohol), this is a GOOD plan for me, it scares me to DEATH to think I could be sent right out into crippling pain AND withdrawal if I don't comply!!! She calls me in randomly, so I never know when I will be asked to present my medication for a count and do a urine screen. I think this will keep me very well on track now. I was having a hard time with drinking too much (see my Thread in NewComers "Jaz's Journal of Hope"), so I called and spoke to her yesterday about my drinking, even though it could have jepordized my pain program. But it didn't, she is willing to work with this addicted person to help me keep my job and stay reletively low pain or pain free! I will eventually have surgery for my conditions, but until then, I have to rely on the medication prescribed and monitored by my doctor. So any advice on whether or not I should go to meetings and consider myself sober if I don't abuse my prescription, don't take any non-prescribed substances, and don't drink alcohol??? Any input would be welcome. Thanks!
luv
Jaz
I am an addict, and I have severe chronic pain, and I am prescribed 2 MS Contin pills per day by my doctor, the pills are WATCHED, COUNTED, and I am NOT ALLOWED, NOR DO I DARE to mess around with my doses, but I still feel guilty and like I should not attend meetings and not be considered sober if I don't drink, use any illegal drugs, and NEVER abuse my medication. I have abused my prescriptions in the past, but I CANNOT do that anymore, nor do I want to. MS Contin is the best medication I could be on for severe chronic pain, for one reason, I don't even like effects nor have I ever liked effects of MS Contin (taking more than prescribed), it makes me very sick feeling, I was more into Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, so in discussing things with my doctor, and trying EVERYTHING to relieve my disabling pain, I signed a STRICT contract and I take one 30mg MS Contin in the AM, and one in the PM, and it works VERY VERY WELL for my pain, but I DO NOT EVER get HIGH from the these pills because I only take what my doctor tells me to take, and she counts the pills, and will start doing urine screening very soon (I admitted to being an alcoholic too). If I so much as have even alcohol in my urine or anything that is not prescribed (she is seperating the opiate test so each individual medication would show up: so if I took percocet with my MS Contin, she'd know, and I'd be KICKED OUT COLD TURKEY from the pain program, even if she found alcohol), this is a GOOD plan for me, it scares me to DEATH to think I could be sent right out into crippling pain AND withdrawal if I don't comply!!! She calls me in randomly, so I never know when I will be asked to present my medication for a count and do a urine screen. I think this will keep me very well on track now. I was having a hard time with drinking too much (see my Thread in NewComers "Jaz's Journal of Hope"), so I called and spoke to her yesterday about my drinking, even though it could have jepordized my pain program. But it didn't, she is willing to work with this addicted person to help me keep my job and stay reletively low pain or pain free! I will eventually have surgery for my conditions, but until then, I have to rely on the medication prescribed and monitored by my doctor. So any advice on whether or not I should go to meetings and consider myself sober if I don't abuse my prescription, don't take any non-prescribed substances, and don't drink alcohol??? Any input would be welcome. Thanks!
luv
Jaz
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