Once an addict, always an addict?

[PipPip1234]

Once an addict, always an addict?
by PipPip1234, 3 minutes ago
Hey everyone, I really dont mean to sound depressing & well done to everyone whos doing well but theres one thing I would appreciate an honest answer to. Do you think an addict will always be an addict at heart? I hope not but it seems drugs are everywhere, maybe thats just where I'm from. Does anyone know anyone whos come off drugs and made a real good life without going back to them. I sometimes wonder if heroin/ex-heroin addicts are ever truly free of that grip. Im 21, first tried heroin when I was 16, went on methadone, got off everything then went back to heroin when I was 20, I swear to myself I will never touch that dirt again, never go through the long drawn process of methadone or the pain of withdrawing but do you guys think it can be done?

It seems everywhere I look people either end up on it fully, or on/off/on/off/on or dead. I know it seems harsh. I am going travelling soon, cant wait to see the world but I worry that, no matter where I go, the thought of drugs will never truely leave my mind. I also know how accessible they can be, does anyone understand that or is it just me, honest answers whether yes or no, will be much appreciated.

[weaver71]

My post should be erased too, it was a response to 12 step bashing and pro-psychedelic therapy, just to explain to future readers. Oh well.

[clean_in_ks]

And the negativity got deleted....so for anyone that didn't read his comments....it may not make a lot of sense.....oh well~

[weaver71]

Though I agree with a great deal of what you wrote, I find it as egocentric as those you are criticizing. My motto is focus on what you are for rather than what you are against. So, 12 stepping doesn't work for you, I respect that. I tried the 2000 mic LSD approach, it helped until I came down. I have other issues that needed to be dealt with, therapy and lithium were really the answer for me. I wouldn't be so arrogant to say that is the answer for anyone else. I tried shrooms, MDA, even took datura stramonium, but my issue was chemical, not mental. I hope you can learn to respect whAt works for others. I practiced shamanism for many years, so I get your opinion and agree on many points. What I find troubling is you think what works for you is the only way, kinda sounds like the people you are complaining about. Good luck finding peace, it seems you still have some anger and resentment to deal with. You maybe should expand your mind and deal with that. I wasn't gonna respond to this, but the negativity seemed to need addressing. Good luck.

[ricart70]

I don't have to be sober . I want to be sober . The biggest part of me anyway.
I don't want to spend my spare time getting high. I am better when I am doing something else with my spare time. and no I don't smoke cancer sticks or believe in the supernatural  . Gee willikers !   ;))     old thread

[curiousbystander]

Thank you for your input. We can use all the info we can. He has been in and out of jail/prison for 5 years. His sobriety has been dictated by imprisonment. As soon as hes out it is not long until he is using again and violates probation. Thus leading him back to serve more time. He has not learned the tools needed to help himself in his addiction. We try and explain that he needed to tell the doctors but he does not think he is an addict and that this medication is different than shooting up heroin. Is he in denial or thinking he is fooling us?

[nursegirl6572]

This is an old thread.  You would be better off starting your own new thread.

A brief answer, yes, there are times when an addict will genuinely need pain medication for whatever reason.  An addict needs to make formulating a plan for handling these situations part of their recovery from day one.

A plan for handling pain would include many safeguards, one big one being honesty with the medical professionals.  If he isn't being forthcoming about his history of addiction, that isn't good.  That doesn't always mean an addict is drug seeking, or doesn't need the pain medication, but it isn't the right way to handle the situation.  Being honest with the medical staff adds accountability which is crucial.

Yes, cellulitis can be very painful.  Him taking morphine for it doesn't automatically mean he's relapsed, but because he didn't tell the staff he's an addict, he's on a slippery slope and is absolutely risking his sobriety.