Am I an Abuser?

[Antari2012]

I'm young, I know that. However, I have developed a crippling disease in the past two years, and have been taking percocet/oxycodone for the pain, but since those are made from opium, as is heroine, it is very addictive, and thusly the doctors are worried about giving me a higher dosage, even though they know my pain is increasing. Due to this, I had to turn to drinking rum (40% alcohol) along with my pills, since it boosts the effects. Without pills or drinking, I literally almost cannot walk, and my whole body burns intensely.

Would you consider this alcohol abuse or addiction? I never get drunk, I just use it for physical pain.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SOZO84]

I'm not really sure if i would call it abuse. if your just taking with the alcohol to make the pain less intense i would not call it abuse, but i had a friend who took some oxycodone with a couple of beers and he died from an overdose. the substances you are taking are very strong and i know it says on the bottle that you shouldnt take it and drink alcohol, but im not sure what i would do if I was in your shoes. All i can say is that i will be praying for you. GOD Bless

 

[Angeldove97]

All I know is that taking those two together is very dangerous. I would highly suggest you speak to your doctor about pain management and talk about finding a medication that will do a better job in managing your pain... without the risk of killing you like alcohol and pain medication does.

I'm sorry to hear of your disease and I pray God will watch over you and heal you... and get rid of this awful pain that you have.

 

[TheMainException]

It doesn't make you an abuser or an addict...

Just make sure you drink it slowly, so you don't get too much in your system. Know yourself.

 

[BlessEwe]

What is the Difference Between Alcohol or Drug Abuse and Dependence?

Alcohol or drug abuse is used to describe frequent use that leads to interference or problems in work, school, home, health, interpersonal or legal involvement. An individual may put themselves in harms way without regard for their safety. Harmful use may result in physical or psychological damage.

Dependence:

Those who are alcohol or drug dependent meet all of the criteria of abuse, but the will also exhibit some or all of the following:

· Tolerance – having to drink increasing amounts to achieve the previous desired effect

· Noticeable diminished effect when using the same amount as previously used

· Withdrawal symptoms - physical symptoms after going a short period without drinking

· Using alcohol or drugs to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms – such as “hair of the dog” – drinking to cure a hangover

· Previous attempts to cut down or stop with little or no success

· A significant amount of time is spent in trying to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover form its effects

· “Seeking behavior” - only going to events that will be conducive to drinking or using drugs

· Knowledge of the compulsion to drink or use, with or without admitting it to others

· Relapse - returning to drinking or using after a period of abstinence



You are taking these meds for pain and some people have to take these sometimes for life. Mixing alcohol with these drugs can be very dangerous. Good idea to talk to a doctor about pain management. Here is a good site to check out for yourself.

Also, mixing alcohol with other drugs can drastically increase the damaging effects of drinking. For example, combining alcohol with narcotics (i.e., heroin, OxyContin®, methadone) can cause slowed breathing, heart attack, and death. For some, even the combination of alcohol and aspirin can be extremely dangerous.

http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/alcohol.asp





God Bless you