How do you know whether or not you are hooked or dependent on Morphine?

Question

I have been on morphine for quite some time, at least 9 months off and on. Lately I have been taking it once a day, oral dosage. I am allowed to take it twice a day, but I can make it with just one, so far. I can't make it without a dose any given day. I hate the fact I have to take sleeping pills when I take it because it keeps me awake. The pain seems more intense when the medicine wears off. I put up with it as long as I can and then take another dose.

The doctor is not concerned with any addiction problems. I kinda am. Yet there is that, "Quality of Life", I regain from using it, as compared to the disability without it. Any experience in that field? How long is too long when surgery is not an option?

Answer 1

I was on fentanyl patch for almost a year, herniated discs and pinched nerves..  I was really worried about dependency,too.  I told the Dr. to let me try other options.  I am still in pain...constant lower back pain.  Once I was walking again, I slowly weaned off the morphine through use of oxycotin and percocet.  Also, my Neuro gave me effexor, which is an antidepressant, but also works to help nerve damage and increase pain tolerance. I also take indomethecine, an anti-inflammatory. Can you get dortisone injections?  They helpfor short term.  However, They sometimes mask the pain too well, making you think you can do anything, possibly re-injuring yourself.

It took two months for my body to stop screaming for the morphine.  My bones ached, I didn't want to do anything.  Someone told me that when you are in real pain,you don't get  the same kind of addicted as  a person using without pain. However, your body will get physically addicted, which is one reason to not quit cold turkey.  Do it with the help and knowledge of your dr.  It's not fun to be in pain, so do take it as you should. But, if you want off, it is your right.  My Dr. didn't want me off, but I was tired of not remembering anything.  That year was a year lost.  Today, two years later, I am in pain, but it is tolerable and manageable, best of all,I can remember what I did, who I met, and what I am suppossed to do!

Answer 2

Can you not make it a day without it because of the pain or because you crave the drug? If you are going that long and only take it when the pain is unbearable id say you arent addicted. The question you have to ask, is how truly bad is the pain? Is it really that bad or am I using it as an excuse? Addiction can make you justify alot of things. Pick a day when you dont have alot to do and see how long you can go without it. See what your body is doing the longer you go. Im not suggesting you put yourself through torture. Just see how long you can go before you REALLY need to take it.

I see more addiction with Oxycontin than anything. That stuff is bad news. It controls pain real well but it soon controls many peoples lives as well.

Answer 3

If you have truly medically justified pain and are able to only take half of what the Dr has prescribed then I do not think you should worry about addiction unless your opiate use is causing serious problems in your life.

You do not have any drug addiction but instead a medical physical dependence due to taking needed pain medication for an extended period of time. This medical dependence is no different than the need to take BP medicine if you have high BP that needs daily treatment. You are not addicted to BP medicine. In your heart you know whether you need the medication and are taking the meds for the right or wrong reason. If what you say is true, and I believe you are being truthful, then quality of life wins out every time in situations like your own.

Will the untreated pain cause you more problems that taking the daily pain meds? Almost certainly. Is someone else giving you grief about taking pain pills or is this an issue within your own conscience?  Personally, if given the choice between spending my life in constant pain and being tethered to a walker vs taking a pill or two daily as directed and living a better quality of life, then I'd take the medicine and then go on to live my life as best I could.

The choice is really up to you. You know what is going on in your heart and mind. Just make sure any decision is yours and not someone else laying a guilt trip on you.  Good luck however you decide to go.

Personally I would be more concerned about the nightly use of sleeping pills rather than taking the pain pills. Some sleeping pills, even when taken as directed, can be really difficult to quit if you have been taking them for a long time.

Answer 4

There is no such thing as craving the drug in actual opiate physical dependence. You physically require it for your body to function. If you are physically dependant on it, you will know it, you will not be able to get out of bed, you will not be able to move, and the sweat is just going to pour out of you like you never knew possible.

Morphine is a ideal starter drug in a pain scenario starting on 15 mg time release and than up. What is going to dictate how long is too long is how well you do with the Medication.

You are absolutely doing the right thing by taking it as when you reall y need it and try to adhere to that. Physical dependence comes in when you start taking these things constantly and people must realize you cannot live pain free 24/7,In your case, bite the bullet and go with it. apperently you need it.

And yes opiates will keep you awake, try to remain away from benzo's (they actually displace morphine)kicking you into withdrawl,try melatonin. But you are on the right track and try to keep it down to the lowest possible working dose.

Answer 5

There is a difference in addiction and physical dependence.  Anyone who takes opiates for long enough will develop some level of physiologic dependence, that is normal and can be managed when you no longer have the need for the medication with a proper weaning schedule.

Less than 10% of patients who take medications for a pain syndrome develop a psychological addiction.  You have displayed the very essence of the lack of addiction by refraining from taking the medication for the side effects, and instead trying to take the minimal dose to meet your pain requirements.

However, from a recovery standpoint, it is easier to perform the functions required for recovery, and to sleep adequately if your pain is properly managed.  It is a good idea to avoid sedative medications, especially benzodiazepines, but if you need the pain medications to maintain function and quality of life you should take the medication.  In the long run you will actually speed your recovery and decrease the length of time the medications are required.

Many people will have stories about the difficulties they have had getting off medications, especially medications such as fentanyl and methadone, but this can be managed if you work with your physician and follow the weaning schedule.