Painkiller Addiction (pain, hernia, depression, surgery)

[luv80s]

Have you ever known anyone addicted to painkillers? How did it affect you? Were you able to help them out someway? The reason I ask is that I suspect a close family member may be headed that way. I don't know for sure though because she lives out of state and only know what other family members tell me and what she mentions in phone conversations. She has asked me in the past for some painkillers (husband had some leftover from surgery and at the time I didn't suspect anything), asks others for meds, or looks for doctors that easily prescribe meds. If they don't give her anything or only a short supply then she says the doctors don't know what they are talking about. She says the meds are for shoulder pain and stress/tension headaches. Although I don't doubt at all she gets in pain but its the little things that are adding up by what she says that make me (and others) believe she is abusing painkillers. Like taking Vicodin or Loratab at work, asking docs for higher dosages, refusing any other type of physical therapy or medical help...Just wants the painkillers, etc.

I want to help out but I don't want to accuse her either in case I'm wrong. Could someone give me some advice please on what to do or what to look out for to know if it is addiction. I love this family member very much. I don't see her very often so its hard to know whats really going on.

Thank you.

[tao]

People who are addicted to drugs are impossible to help - until they themselves want to get help. Usually it takes them hitting rock bottom to get to that point. It sucks but there's not much anyone can do to help a drug addict who isn't ready to quit or get help, let alone one who won't admit they even have a problem.

I myself have been physically dependent on painkillers because of a severely herniated disc in my back but I had finally had surgery yesterday because I hate being on drugs. There is a big difference though in being physically dependent (needing them for pain and then being on the pills for so long that you start going through withdrawal if you don't take them on time) and being emotionally addicted to drugs.

True drug addicts have no control over their addiction and will do anything to get more drugs. I have known (and sadly, grown up with) plenty of addictsand it's heartbreaking to see.

[luv80s]

Thank you for your reply tao. I understand what you are saying about being physically dependent and emotionally dependent. I think my family member is emotionally dependent on the painkillers. She is also on other medications for anxiety/depression, sleeping pills, and who knows what else.

[southernnaturelover]

I used to work with a lady who was hooked on Lortabs, and she was skinny as a rail because she wouldn't eat. I'm assuming she didn't eat because it reduced the effect of the pills, she also liked high caffeine drinks for some reason. She was in her 40's and looked awful. She was eventually fired so I don't know what shape she is in today, but it was pitiful to watch.

[Clay Lady]

luvs80s, I have known a few people with addiction problems and I agree with Tao that people have to want to get help before anything works.

IMO, if you are feeling like speaking to the family member than perhaps you could help guide them into seeking help. Taking a variety of pills for a variety of reasons is about like running in quicksand to me. Don't expect instant success, but try to open a door with compassion. The family member can't be happy chasing after the next fix. They are using up an enormous amount of energy that could be used for a positive goal in their life. Good luck.

[molochai2580]

I was once physically addicted to painkillers prescribed for a slipped disc and also to some prescribed for my bad knee. The withdrawals were awful, but I hated the way the pills fuzzed my brain, so I stopped taking them and even flushed them down the toilet, so I wouldn't be tempted to take them again. Now when doctor's ask me what I'm taking for the pain I tell them nothing, because the lower strength pills don't work and I don't want to be addicted to the higher ones. Oxycontin and Hydromorpone were the 2 worst. I usually try and live with the pain, because it won't mess my life up as much as being addicted to those pills.

Everyone is right though, the person has to acknowledge he/she has a problem and want to get help, before you can do anything.

[Pikantari]

All of these sound just like our patients who come into the office that are addicted to painkillers.

The drs try and lower their dose or send them to pain management, and they become livid...

[luv80s]

Cinderobyn, what usually happens to the patients once the doctor suggests pain management or lower dosage? I'm assuming they look for another doctor. How can you tell someone is addicted? Does it sound like from what I've written that my stepmother may have an addiction or abuse problem? My stepbrothers (their mom) are really concerned about her too.

I agree with everyone here that says you can't help someone unless they want to help themselves. She is very very good at playing the helpless "poor me" role too well and would rather blame others for her problems in life than take action on her own to make things better. (One of the reasons my dad divorced her...he had about all he could handle with her negative outlook on life). Still its hard to sit back and watch someone be so self destructive (even if I live far away).

[jessiegirl_98]

Signs of an addiction (I just spent ALL day working with addicts, from crack and meth to pain killers...yes, they are VERY addictive) are that you develop a tolerance, have withdrawal symptoms, and that it is impacting your life (family relationships, job, etc). Doctor shopping (e.g., going around to various doctors to get the pain killers) is also a sign. Some argue (we were discussing this today) that pain killers can be a very difficult addiction to break because people can rationalize the addiction since it's from a prescription. I would suggest that you all talk to her and see what she has to say, but honestly, if she's not willing to go into treatment, there isn't anything you can do.

[luv80s]

What would be a good way to bring up the topic, jessiegirl? We don't want to come out accusing her so we want to bring it up in as gentle way as possible. No doubt she will deny everything. When do doctors become aware that their patient might be becoming addicted to painkillers? My brother was actually thinking of making an anonymous phone call or letter to let them know what is going on but I don't think that would be such a good idea. it could open up a whole new can of worms and start some major drama within the family. But I don't know, he's very stubborn and usually does what he wants.