How do you know if you are addicted?

  • Thread starter Thread starter NOTSONUTSO
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NOTSONUTSO

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I have what might be considered a very stupid question. I was reading this thread
http://www.healtrabroadoarRAB.com/boarRAB/showthread.php?t=747178
"addicted to percocet's"
(first time ever on Addiction board) because I've been on percocet for 10 years. My question is how did you (Young) know you are addicted? I'm pretty sure I've never gotten a "buzz" or whatever it's called. I take only what's prescribed & only for pain. But I am always afraid of being accused of addiction because of the stigna associated with narcotics.:(
 
hi and welcome! i dont think it's stupid at all! :)
im sure someone more experienced will chime in, but i think the difference may be that your body can be addicted... and should you ever need to stop the meRAB, you would need to taper.... but psychologically you aren't. coming off them would be easier in some respects i would think because you aren't thinking of them in an addictive, unhealthy way. but, should u just stop all of them tomorrow, your body i believe, would still experience withdrawls cause it's just that type of med. but doctors know this and would help you come off them safely and as comfortably as possible. that's my two cents! not sure i'm right, but it makes sense to me! :)
 
Hi Notso,

What I've been told, is that there is a difference between addiction and dependence. For example, I've been taking Klonopin for several years to treat my Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I take it as prescribed, and have never exceeded that amount. So I'm not addicted, but AM dependent, because Klonopin is a habit forming drug that cannot be stopped without a taper, therefore I MUST take is daily. That's dependency.

An addict may have started taking pills to treat a condition, but their use has increased past what they should be taking. They may be buying online, buying off the street, or doctor shopping to get more than the prescribed amount (if there even is a prescribed amount).

If you are following doctor's orders, then in my non-medical opinion, you are not an addict. But I do understand the stigma. I take pain meRAB for my migraines, and never exceed the prescribed amount, and like you, never feel a "buzz" from it (only pain relief). But as soon as you tell someone that you take vicodin, percocet, whatever, you do get that look of "oh, you must be an addict." I'll often just tell people that I take a pain medication for my migraines, but don't say the specific name.

Oh, and no, that is NOT a stupid question. Not at all!
 
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