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Topic : 06/30 Addicts Transformed
(Original Air Date: 10/28/05) Being a mom is hard enough, but imagine juggling soccer, PTA meetings, homework and carpools all while trying to cover up a secret life of drug addiction. Dr. Phil follows up with some moms who say they were junkies. Joani, a mother of two, couldn't get through a half hour without shooting up -- and she was a nurse in a drug rehabilitation center! It's been six months -- how is she now? Then, Stephanie was addicted to Vicodin and took 60 times the recommended dosage every day. She's been clean for four months, but now has a new problem. Plus, a viewer inspired by Stephanie checks herself into rehab. Join the discussion.
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July 3, 2006, 11:08 pm PDT
 Quote From: stslim2232 I've been dating this guy for two years now, and he's almost perfect. He cooks, he's handy, he's intelligent, hardworking, handsome, great with my son, and Funny, we communicate, and understand each other so well, what ever I can't do he can and what ever he can't do i can. It's like were soulmate, I know that this is the man i want to marry. We can sit and laugh and talk for hours about everything, we have so much in common. I'm 22 and He's 32. But He's addicted to Cocaine, and has been for the past 17yrs. Lately he's turned into this monster, I'm afraid and I don't even know him anymore. We're always broke, and constantly begging for money from famliy members, he stays up high all night and doesn't want to get up for work the next morning, He can barley stay hard for 2mins. when we try to have sex. Now, because of the lack of respect I have for him for having my family and friends look at me and think that i was using Drugs, and he was Pimping me. He's become abusive. There is no excuse for him hitting me, but because he's under the influence of coke he can't control his emotions. I wish it was something that we could do, to fight this addiction, because I can't do it alone. He's tried to stop on his own, it lasted about 2 weeks, but he said that the drugs were so powerful that he couldn't fight it. Is there anything we can do? Hypnotherapists, Pychologist, Rehabilitation Center. HELP!!! Holy Cow - while reading the first half of your post, I saw you two as a friendly, productive couple. Yet, only a couple of sentences later there were references to cocaine addiction, domestic violence, abuse, uncontrollable fits of rage, prostitution and Lord knows what else! And, the only words that came were, "Holy Cow!"
Please tell me that you re-read your post and, for once, saw your life situation as clear as a bell. I do hope that is the case.
If not, I'll try to sum up what my thoughts were . . . for whatever that's worth.
First, it sounds like you're in love with the fantasy of who you thought this man could be - not who he really is. The endorphine rush that one gets when falling in love can be incredibly intoxicating. For that reason, I'd just think of this relationship like, pardon the analogy, but he looked pretty good after 6 beers (or lots of endorphines), but after the alcohol wore off - he wasn't the prince charming you had hoped he would be. Of course, I could only use this analogy with someone that does not seem to have an issue with alcohol.
Second, you should clearly establish some thicker personal boundaries. In order for others to respect us, we have to respect ourselves first. One of the first steps we can take in that direction is, of course, to accept that as human beings - we are worthy of respect. To reinforce this belief simply set up some personal rules to live by that protect you. For example, one boundary to establish might be - "No rude or disrespectful language in my presence."
Once you've established this rule, stick to it. If someone offends this rule, you should politely tell them of your personal boundary. If the same person offends this rule again, they are clearly not honoring your boundary and, as a result, you simply do all that you can to avoid future interaction with this person. At some point, they may offer an apology and a pledge to not re-offend. If that is the case, go with your gut. If you believe them to be sincere, it may be worth one more try, but certainly not 5 or 10 more tries! You've GOT to draw the line somewhere.
The most important personal boundary for you is - "Absolutely no physical or emotional abuse!"
I strongly encourage you to flex your self-respect muscles and love yourself - because this guy will only be in love with the drug until he gets long-term treatment. His case is not one that will be "fixed" in 30 days, 90 days or even 6 months! He'll need years of recovery under his belt before he'll ever be the man you want him to be. Cocaine use can cause irreperable brain damage which causes a long-time user like him to have an even more difficult recovery. God love him, but God love you too! Respect yourself, even if he doesn't.
And, even more importantly, God love your son! Keep him safe and start role modeling some personal and respectful boundaries for him now. He needs a hero in his life.
God Bless, Cara
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July 3, 2006, 11:46 pm PDT
Quote From: morai2 I watched the show and I didn't see anyhting about waiving fees. Can you let me know what you saw? Thanks in advance Hi, With regard to fees being waived, I was the blessed recipient of that gift of life. So, I thought I would answer your question. The announcement came from Dr. Phil toward the end of the show (last 10 minutes) that the fees for my recent treatment at Florida Detox would be waived by Dr. and Mrs. Sponaugle.
It all started when I watched Stephanie's first show with Dr. Phil. She was a "soccer mom" just like me and tangled up in an intense addiction that was ruining her life - just like me. Dr. Phil arranged for her to get treatment right away at Florida Detox in Tarpon Springs, FL. When Dr. Phil spoke of Florida Detox, it was the first time I had ever heard of someone getting treated for addiction in only a week and was also able to avoid painful withdrawals. So, when I saw that, I was eager to learn more.
I immediately started making phone calls and, in only a few short weeks, I was being admitted to Helen Ellis University Hospital where Florida Detox provides anesthesia-assisted detox. After learning that I was not just the second "soccer mom" out there with this problem, I knew that I wanted to help. It turns out that mothers just like myself are a growing portion of this silent epidemic and we're not the only ones suffering - our children, most importantly, are too! So, that's why I went on the show and I think Florida Detox knew how much this meant to me and how much I wanted to give back and help others. So, Dr. and Mrs. Sponaugle did waive my fees for treatment and, in doing so, gave a mother, her children and her whole family a second chance at life! Not a day goes by that I don't thank Dr. and Mrs. Sponaugle, the entire Florida Detox team, Dr. Phil and God for the chance to live again.
I have been working my recovery as well as trying to reach out and support other mothers that I've come in contact with that are suffering. I've been clean for 8 months now and while working on my own recovery, I've also been developing a tool that, I hope, will help many others navigate through their own recovery successfully.
Sorry to ramble, but I do hope that answered your question!
Cara |
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July 4, 2006, 12:12 am PDT
Quote From: slushurtin I'm also a chronic pain sufferer, and I'm also on strong meds. long lasting and breakthrough. Sometimes I get depressed because I hear that the meds wont help after awhile and I will have to keep going up in stregnth. I also hate being looked down on by medical professionals because of the meds. I take, because if my complaint has the word "pain" in it, they think I'm drug seeking, OH the way I've been treated and the things that have been said to me, I'm sure you can relate. But there are times I take more than I should and I've had to ask myself, "Are you taking it for pain or another reason?" so I have to ask myself if I'm addicted and so far I think I"m ok. Do you feel like I do? When we hear of someone getting off the pills, I start to think, "So am I supposed to get off, am I definitely gonna be an addict, instead of "Physically Dependent?"Why am I on them? Yes, I was so encouraged when I saw that she is learning other ways to manage pain I get so excited, but I never hear how, what are the ways to do it? The other side hon, is if we need the meds, we are prescribed them and we don't become "addicted" then can we take pain pills? I say YES, why not? I'm sick of hurting all the time as I'm sure you are, so if the pills work and we follow the rules regarding taking them, then again YES, as long as they don't control us, and we don't abuse them, just like other meds, like Insulin. I think I have some idea of what you go through on a daily basis, so any chance to be pain free for a few hrs at least is heaven. I hope this has helped somewhat even though I don't know what she is doing to handle her pain, but I'm looking and trying to get in touch with her to ask what is she doing about her pain. If I find it I'd be more than happy to share with you. You can find my e-mail address on my profile here and if you would like to stay in contact or send me an e-mail address so that if I find out anything I can let you know, k?
Hi Ladies,
I'm up late tonight, but just read your post and definitely wanted to give you some info before I head off to bed. If this seems rushed, please know that I plan on coming back to the board tomorrow to answer any other questions and to add what I might forget to tell you in my zombie like state! :) I just don't usually stay up this late, but this board is so interesting.
Yes, I was a chronic pain patient. I have nerve damage and adhesions in my abdomen that are the result of a perforated appendix that was gangrenous and caused me to become septic and almost die. This massive infection caused many of my abdominal organs to fuse together inappropriately and I'll spare you the details about my colon! :) Further, I have chronic upper and lower back pain resulting from two fractures of my tailbone.
How do I treat the pain now that I'm off pain medication?
1. I was thoroughly screened by my primary physician, my obstetrician, my addiction specialist and a psychologist as the result of the pain I endure. Only my addiction specialist, Dr. Sponaugle at Florida Detox, ever had an answer other than to treat it with pain meds or "just get used to it". Dr. Sponaugle helps me to treat the pain by treating the part of the body that interprets the pain signals. In this way, I am not as consumed with the fear and anxiety resulting from the unending pain.
2. Florida Detox also had me submit a great deal of lab work to them. They were the first to ever recommend that I get my hormones and neurotransmitter levels tested! Anyway, as a result of some tests, we learned that I was deficient in iron, DHEA, Vitamin B and I'm sure I'm forgetting something. But, nonetheless, I started an over the counter nutritional supplement regimen that has helped tremendously! Florida Detox does some AMAZING follow up for their patients to ensure the best chance at sobriety.
3. They were also brave enough to ask me to try some different pain creams out. At first, I'll admit, I thought, "What? You think some aspercreme is going to help THIS pain? Are you kidding?" But, after all they had done for me, I was willing to try it. I did and couldn't believe the results - it worked! And, its strong pain medicine in there, but because of the way it is absorbed in the body - it does not affect my head. All I can tell is that the pain is significantly less when I use it and it has made it easier for me live my life without fear of the inevitable excruciating pain. I simply rub the lotion on and in about 20 - 30 minutes, I am feeling much better.
Well, like I said, I know I'm forgetting something, but I'm exhausted! Its midnight here and I'm sure my little one year old and her big brother will be up at the crack of dawn ready for a big breakfast and a day of fun in the sun and fireworks. So, gotta get to bed! Night, night everyone!
God Bless, Cara |
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July 5, 2006, 2:08 am PDT
First you have to know, how long is that someone used drugs, what kind of drugs and what were life's situation that one when using drugs came along, was it with friends or escaping own troubles. There is one thing that you should avoid to do, and that is patronazing and pushing help to that one. You may discuss with him/her about the addiction one has.' To understand person behind the drugs, is sometimes very hard, but if you want to help, that is one thing you need to do. Drugs always chances personality, so it is necessary to get know who that one really is, what are interrests and is that one hurted. Many people which uses drugs, has had a bad childhood, parents have negletted them or struck them without any reason. Some are teased and they have escaped all life's misery to false cloud of help, drugs, that they don't feel pain nor are hurted so much. Some advices are also, that one who is addicted to drugs, you should never lend any money. Addict person is always someone who will use kindness against you. It is thing that turn so easily only a way to abuse you. What first helps, is talking of what reasons were that someone started to use drugs. Also, if you have faith to Jesus, praying is good. You need to be strong to tell that person, that help is needed. He/she can't help him/herself. I have a brother who is addicted to drugs, and I had to be very cruel to him at first that he started to think what was going on with his life. I love my brother deeply, but he had to go trough very hard way of life with addiction before he started to looking for help. I refused him to come to my apartment when he had taken drugs, and when he visited in my home, I had to keep always on eye of him because he would have stoled from me some things to sell them for drugs if he would had have that chance. Addiction is very deep. There are two types of it. Physical and mental. Physical addiction is always easier to tried, but mental hook (as addicted says here), is life long. Is there any former addicted croup in your living area? If there are, please, go meet them and ask, if they are willing to help. Addicted person takes help from another (even former) addicted more easily than from those which doesn't know anything about drugs. You may, if you want, to write to me at address Freija66@hotmail.com (if you want to tell more about that case what you have in mind and talk about it as private). I will pray for you and your life's situation with that one who is addicted to drugs. One thing most of all does good for addicted person; that is love. |
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July 5, 2006, 2:36 am PDT
Quote From: carabarber Holy Cow - while reading the first half of your post, I saw you two as a friendly, productive couple. Yet, only a couple of sentences later there were references to cocaine addiction, domestic violence, abuse, uncontrollable fits of rage, prostitution and Lord knows what else! And, the only words that came were, "Holy Cow!"
Please tell me that you re-read your post and, for once, saw your life situation as clear as a bell. I do hope that is the case.
If not, I'll try to sum up what my thoughts were . . . for whatever that's worth.
First, it sounds like you're in love with the fantasy of who you thought this man could be - not who he really is. The endorphine rush that one gets when falling in love can be incredibly intoxicating. For that reason, I'd just think of this relationship like, pardon the analogy, but he looked pretty good after 6 beers (or lots of endorphines), but after the alcohol wore off - he wasn't the prince charming you had hoped he would be. Of course, I could only use this analogy with someone that does not seem to have an issue with alcohol.
Second, you should clearly establish some thicker personal boundaries. In order for others to respect us, we have to respect ourselves first. One of the first steps we can take in that direction is, of course, to accept that as human beings - we are worthy of respect. To reinforce this belief simply set up some personal rules to live by that protect you. For example, one boundary to establish might be - "No rude or disrespectful language in my presence."
Once you've established this rule, stick to it. If someone offends this rule, you should politely tell them of your personal boundary. If the same person offends this rule again, they are clearly not honoring your boundary and, as a result, you simply do all that you can to avoid future interaction with this person. At some point, they may offer an apology and a pledge to not re-offend. If that is the case, go with your gut. If you believe them to be sincere, it may be worth one more try, but certainly not 5 or 10 more tries! You've GOT to draw the line somewhere.
The most important personal boundary for you is - "Absolutely no physical or emotional abuse!"
I strongly encourage you to flex your self-respect muscles and love yourself - because this guy will only be in love with the drug until he gets long-term treatment. His case is not one that will be "fixed" in 30 days, 90 days or even 6 months! He'll need years of recovery under his belt before he'll ever be the man you want him to be. Cocaine use can cause irreperable brain damage which causes a long-time user like him to have an even more difficult recovery. God love him, but God love you too! Respect yourself, even if he doesn't.
And, even more importantly, God love your son! Keep him safe and start role modeling some personal and respectful boundaries for him now. He needs a hero in his life.
God Bless, Cara
Let me first say to you that how truly sorry I am that your life has had so dramatic chance with this man you deeply love. First of all you need to do, is protect your son and yourself, don't let that situation last long or it will go worse. He has been hitting you and talked about pimping you? Not good. He stays very much awake in nights, doesn't work, asks for money for all? Oh no. I have to answer about this in simple way. I have been addicted to amphetamine and tried some coke too. I can tell to you this much, that when those are used much, all other things are only secondary. Feelings die, and drug takes control mind, body and everything. After all nothing else matters than that, that one have drugs enough to take in the next day. What I recommend to you, may seem harsh but I have been in the similar situation than you are now and tried many other things, only these leaves to do which makes people think more, what they are doing. Say to him that he has to leave. You can't protect your son or your own life of violence what has came into his behavior. He may do ill to your child. Please, don't stay on that situation, command him to leave and then come back when he is surely clean. When he asks money and commands to you to have it, don't do that! Hide your money from him. You need your own money that you can provide needs of your own and your son. Warn all your realtions about that man and say that they never give money to him. Refuse to be someone what he can use to have enough money to continue his addiction. If you stay in that situation what you have now with him, later on you will start to hate him for reasons what he is. Drugs has chanced his personality, and now you can't do nothing else to help him than to make him leave from your home. Remember that first of all what is needed, is, that your child has stable environment to grow. Now he hasn't. If you can't do these things for yourself, please, do them for your child. You surely don't want that your child sees addiction of durgs and how his mom is treated? He will be very afraid of violence. Gush, I know how that situation feels, I mourn for you... but I have also been there! I know that there is nothing else you can do exept those that I adviced you to do. Please... Please, it will go worse if you do nothing. I will pray for you all, strenght to you! God Bless, Maria |
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July 5, 2006, 7:12 pm PDT
Quote From: carabarber Hi Ladies,
I'm up late tonight, but just read your post and definitely wanted to give you some info before I head off to bed. If this seems rushed, please know that I plan on coming back to the board tomorrow to answer any other questions and to add what I might forget to tell you in my zombie like state! :) I just don't usually stay up this late, but this board is so interesting.
Yes, I was a chronic pain patient. I have nerve damage and adhesions in my abdomen that are the result of a perforated appendix that was gangrenous and caused me to become septic and almost die. This massive infection caused many of my abdominal organs to fuse together inappropriately and I'll spare you the details about my colon! :) Further, I have chronic upper and lower back pain resulting from two fractures of my tailbone.
How do I treat the pain now that I'm off pain medication?
1. I was thoroughly screened by my primary physician, my obstetrician, my addiction specialist and a psychologist as the result of the pain I endure. Only my addiction specialist, Dr. Sponaugle at Florida Detox, ever had an answer other than to treat it with pain meds or "just get used to it". Dr. Sponaugle helps me to treat the pain by treating the part of the body that interprets the pain signals. In this way, I am not as consumed with the fear and anxiety resulting from the unending pain.
2. Florida Detox also had me submit a great deal of lab work to them. They were the first to ever recommend that I get my hormones and neurotransmitter levels tested! Anyway, as a result of some tests, we learned that I was deficient in iron, DHEA, Vitamin B and I'm sure I'm forgetting something. But, nonetheless, I started an over the counter nutritional supplement regimen that has helped tremendously! Florida Detox does some AMAZING follow up for their patients to ensure the best chance at sobriety.
3. They were also brave enough to ask me to try some different pain creams out. At first, I'll admit, I thought, "What? You think some aspercreme is going to help THIS pain? Are you kidding?" But, after all they had done for me, I was willing to try it. I did and couldn't believe the results - it worked! And, its strong pain medicine in there, but because of the way it is absorbed in the body - it does not affect my head. All I can tell is that the pain is significantly less when I use it and it has made it easier for me live my life without fear of the inevitable excruciating pain. I simply rub the lotion on and in about 20 - 30 minutes, I am feeling much better.
Well, like I said, I know I'm forgetting something, but I'm exhausted! Its midnight here and I'm sure my little one year old and her big brother will be up at the crack of dawn ready for a big breakfast and a day of fun in the sun and fireworks. So, gotta get to bed! Night, night everyone!
God Bless, Cara Its an honor to speak to you directly and I have to say I'm so proud of you!!!! I am confused so often when I see people like you who have gotten off pain meds, cuz I wonder if I should do the same. I would love to not take these cuz I am a slave to them, I stress if I'm running low or if I take more when I have added duties, and I'm such a sucker for people who are in pain and dont have any meds. I have tried creams, shots and everything thats been suggested and nothing yet has worked but I will never give up!!! On the other hand, sometimes I get angry because when a show like Dr. Phil or something in the media brings negative news about something like a few yrs. ago it was Oxycontin (and that gave me my life back when I was put on it) now its prescription pill addiction, the media goes crazy and Drs. get scared and take people off meds or reduce them or not prescribe them at all. Yet I never hear of the other side, which is these pills do help so many people and that issue is not addressed. There is a major part of our population that are in chronic pain and are not being treated and Cara its so sad to see, you should go check out www.painaid.com and read, also it might help you with alternative relief. So here is my big question with all this stuff: Can anyone be on narcotics long term? Should we never get on them to start with? Can anyone be on these pills without becoming addicted? I know that I'm dependant on them, but am I addicted, I say YES, but I guess what I"m trying to say is it ok to be addicted to something if you need it for health reasons? For example, on that web site I told you about earlier I've read that folks with cancer or chronic pain arent' getting proper pain control because the Dr is afraid of them becoming addicted!!! Does that make sense?? Or is that smart??? Of course terminal cancer shouldn't apply but I've seen those posts. So Cara, you are an expert by experience, how do you feel about that?? Should no one be given narcotics even though they help, because addiction is inevitable?? I wanted to ask you about something else you said if you don't mind, I'm sorry I've taken up so much of your time. You said you got your meds online?? My daughter's fiance's mom has so much pain from spondylosis, degenerative disk disease and some other ailments but she has no insurance and CANT afford to see a Dr., have tests and get her prescriptions filled. Its horrible how this woman suffers. I've tried to get her help from social services but she is falling between the cracks. We've been searching the web to buy her meds online and when I heard you say thats how you got yours, I was so excited!!!! but never thought I'd talk to you personally. Are these things legitimate?? The common thing I"ve seen is something called an "online or phone consultation?" and she would have to send her records? She hasn't been able to get them because she has moved and Dr wants her to come in to sign release, but I think I've got that problem solved after begging them to help her get help, but I'm concerned about them being over a year old. Can you help me regarding this and if she's not gonna get ripped off? If talking about or getting into that subject in any way makes you uncomfortable or makes you want to use, don't even worry I totally understand!! Again, I"m so proud of you, and I think hearing your story is one day gonna make me make a call. I know I'm gathering stregnth already to think maybe I can find alternative relief besides pills. I am eager to try anything at least once, I really thougth accupuncture would help but it didn't, have you tried that?? Please check out that website to see how much suffering there is, I would love Dr. Phil or someone to do a show about that and get onto some Dr.s or the DEA to find a way to help some people. I swear I'm stopping but I also feel a kinship because I'm from CA also except Ive been living in Ms. for 16 yrs. so next time you eat at IN N OUT or COCO's will you think of me?? LOL I grew up in Hacienda Heights, but my mom now lives in Palm Desert so when I go visit I hardly get to the beach anymore, thats where my heart is. Have a beautiful, coherent, drug free day, good luck and God Bless You are truly an inspiration. Sue |
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July 5, 2006, 8:34 pm PDT
Quote From: slushurtin Its an honor to speak to you directly and I have to say I'm so proud of you!!!! I am confused so often when I see people like you who have gotten off pain meds, cuz I wonder if I should do the same. I would love to not take these cuz I am a slave to them, I stress if I'm running low or if I take more when I have added duties, and I'm such a sucker for people who are in pain and dont have any meds. I have tried creams, shots and everything thats been suggested and nothing yet has worked but I will never give up!!! On the other hand, sometimes I get angry because when a show like Dr. Phil or something in the media brings negative news about something like a few yrs. ago it was Oxycontin (and that gave me my life back when I was put on it) now its prescription pill addiction, the media goes crazy and Drs. get scared and take people off meds or reduce them or not prescribe them at all. Yet I never hear of the other side, which is these pills do help so many people and that issue is not addressed. There is a major part of our population that are in chronic pain and are not being treated and Cara its so sad to see, you should go check out www.painaid.com and read, also it might help you with alternative relief. So here is my big question with all this stuff: Can anyone be on narcotics long term? Should we never get on them to start with? Can anyone be on these pills without becoming addicted? I know that I'm dependant on them, but am I addicted, I say YES, but I guess what I"m trying to say is it ok to be addicted to something if you need it for health reasons? For example, on that web site I told you about earlier I've read that folks with cancer or chronic pain arent' getting proper pain control because the Dr is afraid of them becoming addicted!!! Does that make sense?? Or is that smart??? Of course terminal cancer shouldn't apply but I've seen those posts. So Cara, you are an expert by experience, how do you feel about that?? Should no one be given narcotics even though they help, because addiction is inevitable?? I wanted to ask you about something else you said if you don't mind, I'm sorry I've taken up so much of your time. You said you got your meds online?? My daughter's fiance's mom has so much pain from spondylosis, degenerative disk disease and some other ailments but she has no insurance and CANT afford to see a Dr., have tests and get her prescriptions filled. Its horrible how this woman suffers. I've tried to get her help from social services but she is falling between the cracks. We've been searching the web to buy her meds online and when I heard you say thats how you got yours, I was so excited!!!! but never thought I'd talk to you personally. Are these things legitimate?? The common thing I"ve seen is something called an "online or phone consultation?" and she would have to send her records? She hasn't been able to get them because she has moved and Dr wants her to come in to sign release, but I think I've got that problem solved after begging them to help her get help, but I'm concerned about them being over a year old. Can you help me regarding this and if she's not gonna get ripped off? If talking about or getting into that subject in any way makes you uncomfortable or makes you want to use, don't even worry I totally understand!! Again, I"m so proud of you, and I think hearing your story is one day gonna make me make a call. I know I'm gathering stregnth already to think maybe I can find alternative relief besides pills. I am eager to try anything at least once, I really thougth accupuncture would help but it didn't, have you tried that?? Please check out that website to see how much suffering there is, I would love Dr. Phil or someone to do a show about that and get onto some Dr.s or the DEA to find a way to help some people. I swear I'm stopping but I also feel a kinship because I'm from CA also except Ive been living in Ms. for 16 yrs. so next time you eat at IN N OUT or COCO's will you think of me?? LOL I grew up in Hacienda Heights, but my mom now lives in Palm Desert so when I go visit I hardly get to the beach anymore, thats where my heart is. Have a beautiful, coherent, drug free day, good luck and God Bless You are truly an inspiration. Sue Oh my gosh, I just got to read your post and think your questions are "right on"! Those are the hard questions for those of us in chronic pain - that's for sure.
I've just got my kids to love and snuggle right now, but as soon as I get them to bed, I'll re-read your questions and sleep on them tonight. It sure is a lot to think about, but I look forward to the discussion - maybe others will start thinking too.
Night, night!
Cara |
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July 6, 2006, 10:11 am PDT
Hi Sue,
Here's the problem with chronic pain and quick-acting opiates or pain medication created for treatment of acute pain . . .
The drugs like vicodin, lortab, percocet, oxycodone are all very effective meds for treating pain, but not chronic pain. As many of you have discovered, these meds work best when used 6 months or less, but certainly not any longer. After the six month mark, their power to relieve acute pain begins to dwindle. Once that happens, the slippery slope to becoming imprisoned by addiction is in full swing, for most. Unfortunate, but true.
So, that's when tolerance becomes an issue and a pain management specialist is needed to assist one with pain control by including other methods and therapies for pain control. The next thing you know, pain control becomes a full time job and nothing seems to be worth the time, effort and expense required considering the miniscule amount of pain relief achieved.
Ultimately, this is about the time depression sets in as a result of excruciating, unending pain, combined with the realization of facing life with unending pain and the resulting limitations. Not only does one have the right to be extremely sad because of these realizations; they also are enduring a change in their brain chemistry that inevitably causes severe depression caused by the constant exposure to pain medication and the loss of D2 receptor cells that support a natural brain chemical balance. The D2 receptor cells can be lost during any traumatic event, so if facing this debilitating life circumstance is not the first traumatic event, well, you can only imagine the severity of the depression one might experience.
Given that context, using quick-acting opiates to manage chronic pain is certainly not my idea of relief. Especially if the person is already saddened or, possibly, diagnosed with depression as a result of their chronic pain. That is just the perfect set up for the downward spiral of addiction and I would not wish that on anyone!
There are longer acting opiates out there, but when used for more than 3 - 6 weeks, there's still the possibility of addiction creeping up on someone - just as with the quick-acting opiates. There's really only two positives for longer-acting opiates and those are 1) a lessened experience of strong ups and downs characterized by intense moodiness; and 2) this medication is taken much less often and, as a result, the patient's awareness of pain or need to take medication isn't always consuming their every thought.
Along with those two positives is a much longer and complicated list of reasons NOT to take the longer acting opiates. So, what can you do?
Fortunately, Dr. Sponaugle has been helping me with chronic pain using some other, non-addictive approaches. I've been pleasantly surprised by their effectiveness and have absolutely NO craving for vicodin or any pills. Thank God! I thought I would never see this day while in the throws of addiction. So, take a look at one of my prior posts where I went into detail about pain management and let me know what you think. It sounds like you've tried a lot too.
The problem is that after using pain medication for so long, you do not have an appropriate amount of dopamine in your brain to correctly "interpret" the pain - basically the tool that interprets the pain signals is not working correctly and is overly sensitive to any pain. As a result, nothing, except flooding the brian with dopamine will work right now. Fortunately, there is a painless way to begin the process of leveling out dopamine levels in your brain which will enable you to be free from addiction and the constant, overwhelming experience of chronic pain.
Now, I'm not saying this method works for everyone and is absolutely perfect. I'm only saying that, in my personal opinion, its 100 times better than being dependent and addicted to pain medication. Check out the Florida Detox website if you want to learn more or just give them a call. He provides a free lecture most Mondays detailing the most recent scientific findings on addiction and brain chemistry. I heard a heart surgeon say he learned more in that lecture about brain chemistry than he ever did in med school! So, its definitely worth your time. If you can't make it there, review all the info available on the site for some insight.
Well, I better get going. But before I do, I want to make sure I answer your questions.
Yes, a person will become addicted after taking pain medication for a long period of time. The reason for this is simple, brain chemistry. Some, born with a chemical imbalance, will become addicted much sooner than others. But even the most stable of people will eventually alter their natural brain chemistry with long-term use which, in time, will end in addiction - not just dependency.
Unfortunately, there aren't many professionals in the medical field that are passionate about researching and finding successful treatment options for addiction. Dr. Sponaugle at Florida Detox is the only one I know of. So, my theory is, as long as addiction is stereotyped and belittled, we will not have an opportunity to improve the current 20% chance of long-term recovery after receiveing treatment at traditional centers and 12 Step Groups.
Fortunately, Dr. Sponaugle is one of the most passionate people I've met and he's determined to fight the good fight and help those struggling with addiction. He knows it is a brain disease and knows that we deserve better. Tell your forum board about www.Florida Detox.com. I even helped Florida Detox add a forum board to their website so that anyone could ask them questions and get good answers. Their forum is at www.floridadetox.com/forum
And, last but not least, I could not, with good conscience, discuss how I attained meds online with anyone. I'm very sorry for your friend, but do recommend that she visit the forum and ask some questions. There are some over the counter nutritional supplements that might be able to help her manage the pain. Its worth a try.
I hope that helps Sue.
God Bless, Cara
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July 6, 2006, 10:58 pm PDT
Quote From: carabarber Hi Sue,
Here's the problem with chronic pain and quick-acting opiates or pain medication created for treatment of acute pain . . .
The drugs like vicodin, lortab, percocet, oxycodone are all very effective meds for treating pain, but not chronic pain. As many of you have discovered, these meds work best when used 6 months or less, but certainly not any longer. After the six month mark, their power to relieve acute pain begins to dwindle. Once that happens, the slippery slope to becoming imprisoned by addiction is in full swing, for most. Unfortunate, but true.
So, that's when tolerance becomes an issue and a pain management specialist is needed to assist one with pain control by including other methods and therapies for pain control. The next thing you know, pain control becomes a full time job and nothing seems to be worth the time, effort and expense required considering the miniscule amount of pain relief achieved.
Ultimately, this is about the time depression sets in as a result of excruciating, unending pain, combined with the realization of facing life with unending pain and the resulting limitations. Not only does one have the right to be extremely sad because of these realizations; they also are enduring a change in their brain chemistry that inevitably causes severe depression caused by the constant exposure to pain medication and the loss of D2 receptor cells that support a natural brain chemical balance. The D2 receptor cells can be lost during any traumatic event, so if facing this debilitating life circumstance is not the first traumatic event, well, you can only imagine the severity of the depression one might experience.
Given that context, using quick-acting opiates to manage chronic pain is certainly not my idea of relief. Especially if the person is already saddened or, possibly, diagnosed with depression as a result of their chronic pain. That is just the perfect set up for the downward spiral of addiction and I would not wish that on anyone!
There are longer acting opiates out there, but when used for more than 3 - 6 weeks, there's still the possibility of addiction creeping up on someone - just as with the quick-acting opiates. There's really only two positives for longer-acting opiates and those are 1) a lessened experience of strong ups and downs characterized by intense moodiness; and 2) this medication is taken much less often and, as a result, the patient's awareness of pain or need to take medication isn't always consuming their every thought.
Along with those two positives is a much longer and complicated list of reasons NOT to take the longer acting opiates. So, what can you do?
Fortunately, Dr. Sponaugle has been helping me with chronic pain using some other, non-addictive approaches. I've been pleasantly surprised by their effectiveness and have absolutely NO craving for vicodin or any pills. Thank God! I thought I would never see this day while in the throws of addiction. So, take a look at one of my prior posts where I went into detail about pain management and let me know what you think. It sounds like you've tried a lot too.
The problem is that after using pain medication for so long, you do not have an appropriate amount of dopamine in your brain to correctly "interpret" the pain - basically the tool that interprets the pain signals is not working correctly and is overly sensitive to any pain. As a result, nothing, except flooding the brian with dopamine will work right now. Fortunately, there is a painless way to begin the process of leveling out dopamine levels in your brain which will enable you to be free from addiction and the constant, overwhelming experience of chronic pain.
Now, I'm not saying this method works for everyone and is absolutely perfect. I'm only saying that, in my personal opinion, its 100 times better than being dependent and addicted to pain medication. Check out the Florida Detox website if you want to learn more or just give them a call. He provides a free lecture most Mondays detailing the most recent scientific findings on addiction and brain chemistry. I heard a heart surgeon say he learned more in that lecture about brain chemistry than he ever did in med school! So, its definitely worth your time. If you can't make it there, review all the info available on the site for some insight.
Well, I better get going. But before I do, I want to make sure I answer your questions.
Yes, a person will become addicted after taking pain medication for a long period of time. The reason for this is simple, brain chemistry. Some, born with a chemical imbalance, will become addicted much sooner than others. But even the most stable of people will eventually alter their natural brain chemistry with long-term use which, in time, will end in addiction - not just dependency.
Unfortunately, there aren't many professionals in the medical field that are passionate about researching and finding successful treatment options for addiction. Dr. Sponaugle at Florida Detox is the only one I know of. So, my theory is, as long as addiction is stereotyped and belittled, we will not have an opportunity to improve the current 20% chance of long-term recovery after receiveing treatment at traditional centers and 12 Step Groups.
Fortunately, Dr. Sponaugle is one of the most passionate people I've met and he's determined to fight the good fight and help those struggling with addiction. He knows it is a brain disease and knows that we deserve better. Tell your forum board about www.Florida Detox.com. I even helped Florida Detox add a forum board to their website so that anyone could ask them questions and get good answers. Their forum is at www.floridadetox.com/forum
And, last but not least, I could not, with good conscience, discuss how I attained meds online with anyone. I'm very sorry for your friend, but do recommend that she visit the forum and ask some questions. There are some over the counter nutritional supplements that might be able to help her manage the pain. Its worth a try.
I hope that helps Sue.
God Bless, Cara
Thanks Cara!! I want to cover a few things right off the bat, that I thought about after posting. #1: RE: My friend, Today I gave her my cream that you are now using that didn't help me, and I also got her an appt. with an accupuncturist, because I got to thinking about what I wrote you, and I thought if I don't know if anyone should start down the narcotic pain control path, shouldn't I help her to find alt. routes, because if she has a "virgin" system, maybe pain relief ideas that didn't help me could help her, because her pain tolerance is so different than mine! So we are trying a couple of things before she takes meds. Then I see your post and I thought "Well yes, I shouldn't have asked Cara about that because as an addict you might have purchased pills without total honesty, so I'm sorry I asked, I would hate if anything I asked put you backwards. I kept thinking about how I would like to have a chemical test to see what defeciencies my brain might have(oh thank goodness I'm not saying that to family members, cuz thats a wide open statement!! LOL) WTG on the forum, I'm on my way and I will read and call them, thanks Cara I hope we can talk some more soon, I'm gonna run cuz there's a web site I'm dying to check out. Also I have an 11 yr old baby, and a grandbaby that may need some snuggling!!! Have a good day, talk soon, God Bless, Sue |
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July 7, 2006, 10:30 am PDT
Quote From: slushurtin Thanks Cara!! I want to cover a few things right off the bat, that I thought about after posting. #1: RE: My friend, Today I gave her my cream that you are now using that didn't help me, and I also got her an appt. with an accupuncturist, because I got to thinking about what I wrote you, and I thought if I don't know if anyone should start down the narcotic pain control path, shouldn't I help her to find alt. routes, because if she has a "virgin" system, maybe pain relief ideas that didn't help me could help her, because her pain tolerance is so different than mine! So we are trying a couple of things before she takes meds. Then I see your post and I thought "Well yes, I shouldn't have asked Cara about that because as an addict you might have purchased pills without total honesty, so I'm sorry I asked, I would hate if anything I asked put you backwards. I kept thinking about how I would like to have a chemical test to see what defeciencies my brain might have(oh thank goodness I'm not saying that to family members, cuz thats a wide open statement!! LOL) WTG on the forum, I'm on my way and I will read and call them, thanks Cara I hope we can talk some more soon, I'm gonna run cuz there's a web site I'm dying to check out. Also I have an 11 yr old baby, and a grandbaby that may need some snuggling!!! Have a good day, talk soon, God Bless, Sue Hi Sue,
First, I just wanted to let you know that, more than likely, the pain cream I use and the one you're prescribed are not the same. The doc and research director at Florida Detox worked with a compounding pharmacy on several different combinations of a pain cream that includes a powerful pain medication , muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory. Some of the medications included in the various creams were ketamine, dextromethorphan, flexeril, bacloban (sp?), soma and anti-inflammatories like ketoprophen. I just want to keep your hopes up about possible strategies for pain relief and if you thought the ingredients were the normal stuff, it would be easy to shrug that suggestion off.
Some doctors do prescribe pain creams, but they're often made of only anti-inflammatory and over the counter pain meds like tylenol, etc. So, I'm certain we did not try the same pain cream. I just wanted to make sure you knew that and could, possibly, ask your physician to consider prescribing you some compounded pain cream including these powerful pain medications.
I hope that helps!
God Bless, Cara |
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