Posted by maryhelen on April 17, 2003, at 17:47:23
In reply to Re: Methadone, posted by Caleb462 on April 13, 2003, at 23:39:13
I can only speak from my own personal experience. I can't figure out the difference between opiates, amphetamines, narcotics, etc. but I certainly got addicted to pain medication. I first took them (firional) for migraines and over the years slowly began to realize that they helped with the depression. I am treatment resistant and have been on a multitude of meds over many years without relief. The only relief I ever got were from the pills - fiorinal, percocetts, dilaudid, even Tylenol 3's. As time went on I needed more and more for the same effect. When I didn't have them, the depression was exacerbated, sometimes suicidally, especially withrawing from dilaudid.
I eventually ended up going to 3 substance abuse programs, besides my 5 pyschiatric hospitalizations and 2 rounds of ECT treatments. Yet, I sit here today, depressed, off work for 2 years, clean of pain meds. I hate to admit it though but I would put my hand out in a minute if someone offered me pills because I know that, even briefly, I would feel great, not stoned, but certainly not depressed.
I do not believe that everyone has a problem with opiates. I definitely have an addictive predisposition. I do not think I will ever be able to control taking these drugs. I wonder a lot about what would happen when I really need to have pain pills for an illness. In fact, right now I am suffering quite a bit with degenerative disc disease in my back. The only thing I can take is Extra Strength Tylenol and it really doesn't help.
Just be careful what you ask for you may get it.
Maryhelen
poster:maryhelen
thread:218705
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030417/msgs/220164.html