I’ve been thinking a lot about Drugs & Alcohol lately!
NO, not the actual substances…the topic itself 
I’ve been on drugs non-stop since my car accident in July 2004, and have been monitored for the narcotics (addictive drugs) by health care specialists and family all these years.
This recent hospitalization caused me to really take notice, because for the first 3 weeks, I spoke to my health care specialist on a near-daily basis to assure that I wasn’t “abusing” the drugs I had. The mental and emotional pain (strain–really) of “rationing” the different level of pain drugs was such a pain in my…Brain!
I had to figure out if my pain was worth an over-the-counter med, should I take double the dose of over-the-counter pill, take a less than the prescribed “light” pain med, the mediocre prescribed pain pill…or the, I’m ready to go to the ER, let’s try this heavy-addictive-drug! URGH!
I’m already anxious and nervous thinking about all these decisions again!
Yet, when in doubt, I opt for the lower-dose medication…
But Dude! Whenever I took 1 of the 7-heavy pills (allocated for the month)…WOW did I feel better!
HA! There was NO doubt in my mind, Why Drugs can be ARE Addictive!
I started freakin’ myself even more with this whole “addictiveness” subject, that I started reading the horror stories of equally “drugged-up” [to say it lightly ] medical patients ON perscribed meds who fall victim to this addiction–Not by their own doing, but due to the effectiveness of these narcotics themselves!
[Man, There is NO doubt in my mind WHY the pharmaceutical companies are SO rich! And, with their consumer-”friendly” TV commercials luring in the general public to ask, plea, and insist that their medical professionals perscribe them the “miracle drug” they just saw on Public TV! Poopie-o-li! That’s a whole other subject in and of itself!]
This is why I totally applaud my highly-addicted co-patients for seeking out the much needed intervention!
But, there are MANY…I mean MANY who are in the “denial” phase as described in 4rehabilitation.com’s page:
“Denial is a part of the addiction cycle. The addict does not and will not ad
dmit [Typo] they have a problem or thatthiertheir[Typo] problem is out of control, in many instances they will not even admit it to themselves, they live in a state of denial. “
4rehabilitation.com is a non-profit drug rehabilitation referral service that provides those seeking help with addiction with a referral to a drug treatment facility.
Yes, one would think that this service-provider online resource center should be for those with an illegal drug or abusing-alcohol problem…but, I beg to differ!
I believe all drugs (illegal AND prescribed) long-term stink like the crap that surrounded me at the local Winterfesh and horse stables we marveled at this past weekend!
So, yes–I’m on a mission to Empower You to help any and everyone you know on a drug, alcohol or Perscribed-drug problem to seek help, and Happy to see that wealth and depth of resources available at 4rehabilitation.com!
As for me personally–Yes, I failed at being timely in my business this past couple of weeks…but, I’m on a mission to be Drug-Free! Actually its my family’s mission…because I *really* (no lie) want to give in! [Addicted, you think!?!?]
Being back home with parents, hubby and girls to support me–for 7 days now I am Drug-Free.
I am admittedly Nasty in the morning and night because I am in SO much pain…and they all take it! My hands have frozen stiff (literally “paralyzed”) throughout my days–which scare the Crap outta me! And, my anti-anxiety drugs never let me “feel” this fear naturally before…I actually slept through it all!
But, my family insists that I “talk” it out with them, literally “walk” it off with them to the park or at the mall, enjoy a fun movie with them…just Relax and Deal With Them! Not alone and Not with drugs!
They actually make jokes, lighten up the situation, or even send me to my room for a time-out when I most need it!
Funny–hubby & the girls put me in time-out so often that my parents don’t have too (they are actually glad they don’t have too!) Very interesting dynamic and change of roles!
They all “take” much more than I’d EVER allow any of them to force on me…but, once my storm ends…they all “lighten” the mood by saying “It’s SO great your off your drugs!” WHAT!?
But, I was such a Witch!…Yay, but then they remind me of all the good things:
- I don’t sleep all day anymore,
- I can wake up to the girls in the middle of the night when they really need me,
- I’m happier, livelier, more energetic, pleasant, Awake! Living! Being a part of their lives! Fun! [For a limited amount of time…I’m Not pain-free by any means!]
- I gained weight–yee hah!
- I’m eating healthier, and
- Much more!
So, maybe I’m exaggerating my witchiness…but, as long as they are using the Drugs as an Excuse…I’m gonna hafta agree with them and just live with the long-term goal to be Drug-Free!
Granted, I am extremely Blessed to have such a lovable, supportive, patient, and understanding family and support system!
This is why, Again; I find it critical that if You are living with Drugs or Alcohol (or know someone that is) please seek the help or just begin to educate yourself about the problem itself! And, 4Rehabilitation.com is just one-place you can start!
PLEASE share your thoughts, support, and opinions below! Even better, please share additional resources, options, support to those in need, and more importantly, those who don’t know they need help yet!
Please do NOT feel it can’t happen to you…it can happen to anyone!
P.S. I’m on my way to the doctors right now to get “monitored” of my progress, and see if there are any light-light alternatives to my body, neurological and paralysis pain…I know I will may always need my back-up meds…But, I AM looking into more natural methods too. Over the past 5 months, many people have offered suggestions….my emailboxes each have 1000s of unread mail…Please share your suggestions, recommendations, below!
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Posted on October 24th, 2007 by Ponn Sabra
Filed under: Empowerment
Dear Ponn, I know exactly how you feel. I was under medical supervision and became addicted to the medications I was on as well. Having come from a medical background I was shocked that it could happen to me. I made the decision to quit one day and took all the medication to my doctor’s office. I regret to say that I am still dependent on one medication after 8 months of trying to stop, but I am successfully off the rest of the prescribed medications, it is indeed a struggle and I wish you the best!
I fully sympathize with you. As a member of a twelve step group, I can understand. The first thing you must know is that you should take first class medical advise to see if you have that peculiar conditions which makes people addicts. It does not happen to everyone. The second and vital aspect is to follow totally, the physical exercise regime that is always advised post treatment to speed up the process of healing. I personally have found prayer and meditation very helpful and so have a lot of my friends in recovery. You can do it. You have shared your troubles, that is half way to recovery.
A number of my friends and I pray for you and wish you speedy recovery and non addiction.
Great post Ponn.
Seriously such great timing for me. My dr. had explained a lot to me about what is physical addiction where your body will just go through major withdraw from a drug and what is what people more commonly think of addiction- psychological…. sometimes it’s both.
Because of recent circumstances I have been weaning from some for anxiety! So hard, but so neccessary right now. So here is to your fight! I can not imagine how hard it must be to get off pain killers. So glad you are doing what you feel you need to. That takes a lot of courage, and to share it with the world, even more courage.
[…] Sabra wrote a really great post about withdraw and drug dependence. I encourage you to check it out when you get a […]
I had a family member who went thru cancer treatment and needed pain killers. He went thru this same scenario. I know what you’re going through. I wish you all the best!
Wow! How brave you are! I’ll pray for your continued recovery over this situation. Thanks for sharing your struggle honestly and articulately.
I have a friend deeply addicted to prescription medication. Her life is a mess and she doesn’t even realize it. Many of us try to give her help but she just keeps going back to the doctor to lie…and get more prescriptions.
It’s very sad, and painful for her family.
Some people don’t realize that just because the doctor prescribes it doesn’t mean you have to take it forever!
The medical profession should really evaluate how they distribute drugs to patients.
Thank you for standing up and taking notice.