[Sweet Girl]

I have been taking prescription opiates for about 5 years now daily (oxycontin, norco, dilaudid, demerol, etc). I know I take it for emotional reasons and have been in treatment for addiction a few times in the past. The problem I have had is once I start taking them I can't stop.I do have legitimate pain issues at times. I have tried the whole having someone else hold them etc. What happens is as soon as I take it for pain, I am obsessed with taking more. So, even if someone is holding them for me I go get another script.I have not had major consequences from this use. I have a nice house, car, good kids, etc. In a way I wish I had something happen that helped me break this cycle.Some of my friends say they think I function better on the meds because when I am off, I am irritable and emotional.I just don't know what to do and don't want to end up like Heath Ledger. Any thoughts?I suppose there are no easy answers. The issue has been NA or other programs are about complete abstinence (I understand why). It is just when I am having times of severe pain it seems masochistic or martyr-like to say I'm just going to suffer and not take anything.

[Iknowsomestuff]

I was perscribed Adderall and also experienced addiction. I knew i needed to stop taking them no matter the way i will be withouth them. You need to get off those Meds and maybe get on an mood altering drug that is less harmul in the long run then those you listed.

[butterfliesRfree]

Oxycontin ALONE (without the others) is the same thing as heroin -- it's how my son got started - he disappeared a couple years ago. A doctor was selling him (and other TEENS) oxycontin a LONG time ago - they melted them down and shot them up -- THEY ALL TURNED INTO DRUG ADDICTS ---

[Adam R]

People can be fully functioning and still be addicted to drugs/alcohol. From what you've said, I think you do have an addiction.

[originalkippyj]

Yes, what you describe is the exact description of addiction, but you have to really want to do something about it before you will. You will likely have to be weaned from these medications under a doctor's supervision since quitting cold turkey would have pretty major consequences.Good luck! I quit alcohol, so I know how hard it can be.

[Rubeus Hagrid]

Withdrawl effects are sometimes dangerous with many drugs.These, you have probably got tollerant to and your body will reqiure more and more to stop the withdrawl effects.You need to get medical attension ASAP!If you don't, eventually it could cost you your life, or serious brain damage