Anyone ever try keeping a daily log?

[mermaidnpain]

Have used Vicodin 7.5/750 for almost 10 years due to Lumbar herniation and re-injury 2 years ago. It always annoyed me when addiction was brought up. I have severe back pain and am wondering what to do. Considering surgery..even though it may not be the perfect cure. So, I decided to start a log (diary) of medications I was taking, including Ibuprofen. Surprised at what I see after a week, when it is written down. I want to reduce the amount I am taking but am wondering what I will do about severe pain. Basically I stick to 3 Vicodin a day but was surprised to see I did bump up when pain became an issue. Here I go. I shall start to reduce and find out how determined I can be. Someone posted a comment about tapering off and I believe that is wise, especially after using for a long time. The body will react to the change, without a doubt. Good Luck to everyone. I never thought I would get addicted but I am afraid my own notes prove me wrong.

[HY40]

Tapering down is critical! My thoughts will be with u!

[Bubulous]

I agree with BluCrystal
I keep a log on medications and mood in order to track my progress and keep track of changes in my mood in order to see what may be a pattern.

[BluCrystal]

Keeping a med log ia an excellent idea, and I do this myself, also.  Use it for your own records and show it to your doctor as well.  Never change anything about your prescriptions without cunsulting your doctor! - Blu

[ricart70]

Hey don't be hard on yourself.Everyone that is on opiates long term definitely becomes somewhat dependent on them. I would not say you are an addict .You just are dependent which will make it way easier for you to cut down.As an addict I know that I never took anything as prescribed,bought them and acquired them wherever and however I could,and thought about them constantly whether I was in pain or not.I took them for the mental well being they provided in the beginning.Then I took them and other opiates to avoid being sick(but also in the back of my mind to keep getting high.Please keep posting lots of people on here can help and we have alot of tricks to get you over the hump comfortably.  hang in there