@spent2much wrote:
I've been on pain medication for 9 or 10 years due to a lower back problem. There is a difference between addiction and physical dependence (to control pain). They don't make me "high." They just take the edge off my pain and I am so thankful I finally found a pain doctor who treats me.
@spent2much Has hit it on the head. Physical dependence is not addiction. Pretty much any medication that you take on a regular basis for a length of time, will cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. That applies to antidepressants, blood pressure meds, anti-anxiety meds, even hormones, etc. Of course if you abruptly stop thyroid medication, your body will be thrown into a talespin. Most all medications should be tapered off if possible. Of course, some are more likely to cause very dangerous even life threatening reactions. That's why all prescription meds tell you not to stop without consulting your doctor.
Just because someone takes pain pain meds every day, that doesn't mean they are addicted to them. They need them to relieve pain to function. Yes, their bodies are accustomed to them, and abruptly stopping would cause withdrawal.
Addiction happens when the person takes more than is prescribed, not to relieve the pain, but because they like the feeling they feel when taking them. (Short version). Then as the addiction takes over they find it harder and harder to control. They often will exhibit behaviors such as lying, stealing, etc., to obtain more. And some people are more prone to addiction or addictive behaviors.
There also is tolerance. Some people, actually many, require more and more, or higher doses to maintain pain relief. That is because after awhile in some people, they just don't work as well as when they first started taking them. That is not addiction either. That's why you have to be honest with your doctor about the fact that it isn't working like it once did. Often pain doctors will switch medications back and forth to try to eliminate that happening. Just like some people have to increase their insulin or BP meds as the years go by.
The unfortunate problem with the pill mills and addiction has once again cast a negative light on those that take and need opiate pain meds. And the media and some law enforcement has made it seem like anyone taking painkillers everyday is an addict, or will become an addict. Just not true.
That said, some medications by nature of their mood altering effects, and more intense withdrawals, tend to be more addicting (pain killers, Xanax, stimulants) that is, the risk is greater that you could become addicted.
Sorry for the book.
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