Re: Drug Dependence vs. Addiction

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/24/2004 6:06:12 PM Eastern Standard Time,

jmgrimse@... writes:

has anyone else had to explain this to their spouse or special

person? i know he worries about me but I want him to support me in

this not fight me about it.

thanks for listening!

hugs

jen

Hi Jen

I've actually used those same meds. And I did for many years. I just happen

to now use Duragesic patches & MSIR. It actually works out to about the same

thing. I've struggled with the same issue for a long time & seem to have

simplified it to this

I say, there is a difference between " Using drugs " and " Abusing drugs " .

You use drugs when they are prescribed for you by a licensed physician for

true physiological difficulties, as opposed to abusing drugs that aren't

prescribed by a licensed physician & aren't for true physical difficulties. And

I

say that, in fact the medications (I don't call them drugs in a situation like

this) actually allow me to function properly & am simply unable to function

without them. With them, I am able to think, work, drive & function as any

other

human being & without them, I am unable to think clearly, concentrate, drive,

nor function.

Basically, keep it simple. It's one way or the other. It's about being able

to function, period.

Are you actually physically addicted to the medication? Yes. But, for a

valid reason. It doesn't mean that you can't, at times withdraw from the

medication, with the direct assistance of a physician. I have done that on a

number

of occasions, basically to convince myself that I truly needed them & no doubt

I did & I do.

I hope this helps. BTW. I am an RN & I have surely seen the difference. I

surely don't mean this to be any kind of advice or a medical opinion or

suggestion. It is my own personal experience. I hope this works for you or

that

you can use at least some of it for your use. I'd love to hear from you & find

that you are doing better of if I can be of any further assistance. Good luck.

Take care,

[Guest guest]

Hi Jen, Here is a start on links to help him understand dependency VS addiction.

Hope this helps. You need more? just ask.

I have my 16 year old son on these same Medications. Would I willingly put a

child on these drugs if I had a choice?

http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/16CC16.htm

http://www.paincare.org/pain_management/perspectives/hcp/addiction.html

http://www.painlaw.org/opioids.html

Addition and teenagers is a real worry. My son is dependant on these meds. He is

not addicted.

Addition: Craving for a drug to get high

Dependant: To have a quality of life worth living.

My son, like you, deserve a life worth living.

I have had this same problem with some family members. Hopefully your husband

will understand too. Cindy C.

Drug Dependence vs. Addiction

My husband has been great about helping me with everthing! he is a

great guy. However, he does not like the fact that I am on

narcodics, MsCotin and MSIR. He thinks that I am going to become

addicted to them. I have been trying to explain that I am not

addicted to them but I am dependent on them to get me through the

day.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Ok, good. Cause I had a class last night, and forgot to ask him. Maybe he'll

have time to show me before work this morning.

Mon