Posted by Confused on July 08, 2000 at 00:51:53:

In Reply to: Re: Painkillers? Vicodin ES posted by The crow on July 07, 2000 at 00:07:05:

: : I am a male in my 40s and I have an addiction situation that I beleive is not unique but would like to discuss with others. I have a moderate addiction to painkillers which is about 6 pills a day. I have been doing this for about two years and have gone cold turkey to quit a couple of times. As I have gotten older I have found that my energy level has decreased somewhat and taking 30-40 mgs a day of hydrocodone gives me energy and allows me to continue a very active life. I am a fairly succesful businessman and feel that my life is infinitly better when I am taking the drug. WhenI dont, even after the meds are out of my system, I feel listless and tired and just have no energy or enthusiasm. I dont think I am a bad person although I feel guilty about some of the tings I have done to obtain them sometimes. I am active in my community and fairly well thought of. Whats wrong with this?I think that society is making me into a criminal. I have prayed about it often but dont seem to get an answer to this need. Any thoughts or others who feel this way ?

: You are kidding yourself there is no such thing a
: moderate addiction Believe me have I have bee ther
: and the worst part about is It truly is a dead street, in the worst way. You will lose. You must realize it before it's too late. Six pills will soon before you know it turn into seven,eight,nine
: etc. If this happens than you will truly know,don't be fooled. Get out now. S.O.S

Dear Crow
I appreciate your input but I think you missed the point.I have been up to nine and cut to none at times and although I feel better when I am taking around 6 I realize the amount must be controlled. The point is that I just plain old dont feel as good and as productive when I dont have them. My problem appears to be that society says that its bad for me and I want to know why?I fully understan the tolerance issue and realize I must impose drug holidays to control consumption. Why did you stop? Is your life beter because you stopped? If so then your issuewas different than mine but I am really trying to understand why this is neccasarily bad for me assuming the escalating amount needed to function is controlled.Post again. Thanks for your feedback Confused