How long does it take to become addicted to pain pills?

[Anonymous]

I'm asking this because I've been taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen for several months, and I recently started taking Mobic and Flexeril. I take them for tension headaches and chest pain, but my doctor won't let me try alternative solutions for pain.

Honestly, I feel like a drug addict, taking medicine every time I have pain. Really, is that supposed to be the solution to everything? This is what I said to my doctor:

"I have a headache and I don't want to take anymore pain medicine." (Me)
"You can take Tylenol and Ibuprofen safely up to three times a day." (My doctor)

I had an ulcer from taking too much Ibuprofen, and I do NOT want this to happen again.

[UberTroll]

People don't get mentally addicted to things like Tylenol and Advil, however if you take it too much you could start experiencing diminishing returns which means you have to take more of it for it to work. If you notice that starting to happen, it's time to scale it back a bit.

Try to root out the pain at the source and fix it, ie. figure out why you get so many headaches. Do you drink enough water? One of the most common causes of headaches is dehydration. Stress is also a very common trigger, if that's it for you then try some relaxation techniques like mediation or yoga and drink some green tea with chamomile.

[Asker]

Honestly, I don't even drink that much water; maybe a bottle a day. I used to drink at least 3-4 per day, but it's very hard for me to drink water, especially when I'm not thirsty.
I do stress easily, but I also have anxiety :'(

[UberTroll]

That's probably part of the problem then, you should start trying to drink more water. Also, I've heard that acupuncture can be really helpful for people with migraines, maybe you could try that.

[Asker]

Yes, I was thinking of trying that. But would I have to pay money for it? I have insurance.
Also, chiropractic treatment works too ^_^ They fixed my neck pain.

[UberTroll]

I'm not sure, depending on your insurance company they might pay for it if you can get a referral from your doctor.

[Asker]

Sounds fair =)
I can call my insurance company today.

[BertMacklinFBI]

you can research natural remedies. but people usually get addicted to pain killers that make you feel high.

[Horuseus]

I want to become addicted but i never can.