How do I know if I'm getting addicted to the medication I'm taking?

[Anonymous]

I have had surgey to fix a problem ans was not correctly fixed. Having to see a doctor and get medication to help easey the pain. While taking this medication it helps with the pain and I notice a difference of how I feel when I take it vs when I dont. Someday if I dont take it I feel like I can't function but when I do take it I can do everything I want to do. How would I know if I'm starting to get addicted to the medication it is an opioid classification of medication

[Oliverlogan263]

That's a tough situation to be in for sure. Addiction can definitely creep up on you without you even realizing it sometimes. A few signs that might mean you're becoming dependent on the medication:

- If you find yourself craving it and constantly thinking about when you can take your next dose, instead of just taking it as needed for pain.

- Needing to take more and more over time to get the same pain relief. Tolerance can build up quickly with opioids.

- Feeling really sick if you try to go without a dose - things like nausea, anxiety, sweating, muscle aches. Actual withdrawal symptoms.

- Having to use it just to feel normal, not just for bad pain days. Relying on it mentally as well as physically.

- Getting refills earlier than you're supposed to or seeing other doctors to try to get more prescribed.

It'd definitely be a good idea to talk to your doctor openly about your concerns. They can help assess your usage and risk of dependency. Maybe consulting an addiction specialist could give some guidance too. It's good you're aware of the potential for misuse with these meds. Wishing you the best coping with your pain in a healthy way.

[sean1234]

But my dear, you are supposed to get addicted to medication! How else would the pharmaceutical industry be a multi trillion dollar industry?

Take meds till you die and die from taking the meds. Take meds from getting sick and get sick from taking the meds. 🫠🥴🙃

[Simslover92]

It sounds like you are becoming dependent on it. You need to wean yourself of the medication before it gets worse.

[sean1234]

Yes, come to think about it. All medications aren't the same, but some you can't just stop taking all at once.

[Simslover92]

Nope you can't. A lot of medications you have to slowly wean yourself off of.

[ImalwaysrightOK]

Yes, you are becoming addicted. Like the other user said, try to wean yourself off of it. Being dependent on opioids is no fun. Eventually, you'll need more and more often to feel better. Then you won't be able to get enough and the withdrawals are horrendous. You'll eventually need detox. Talk to your doctor. He shouldn't put you on opioids for more than a few days.