I really get upset when people use the terms addiction and dependance interchangably, they are polar opposites. Addiction is a psychologically condition where you crave the drug, use it in increasing amounts and will do anything to get it. Dependance is where you body has become accustomed to the medication. You do not crave the drug and you may not high from it. Many medications cause physically dependence and must be reduced slowly.
I have taken vicodin for several years for chronic pain. I have never gotten high off it and in fact it gives me a headache and hungover feeling. What it does do for me is allow me to sleep at night and live a somewhat normal life. I can function, be a wife to my husband and a mother to son.
If your friend's doctor is prescribing this medication, they should be monitoring your friend's liver with a liver panel every 6 months.
Remember any medication poses a risk, that is why it is supervised. And many OCT medications contain acetaminophen and this is why you read all labels and tell you doctor about all OTC medication you use. Note: acetaminophen can also be listed as APAP.
Reta
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I really get upset when people use the terms addiction and dependance interchangably, they are polar opposites. Addiction is a psychologically condition where you crave the drug, use it in increasing amounts and will do anything to get it. Dependance is where you body has become accustomed to the medication. You do not crave the drug and you may not high from it. Many medications cause physically dependence and must be reduced slowly.
I have taken vicodin for several years for chronic pain. I have never gotten high off it and in fact it gives me a headache and hungover feeling. What it does do for me is allow me to sleep at night and live a somewhat normal life. I can function, be a wife to my husband and a mother to son.
If your friend's doctor is prescribing this medication, they should be monitoring your friend's liver with a liver panel every 6 months.
Remember any medication poses a risk, that is why it is supervised. And many OCT medications contain acetaminophen and this is why you read all labels and tell you doctor about all OTC medication you use. Note: acetaminophen can also be listed as APAP.
May 20, 2011 - 5:41pmReta
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