Opioids opiates improved my focus and energy levels

[nyc_bluelighter]

Little quick history, I'm 28 years old and have tried lots of drugs in my early twenties (E, molly, coke, LSD, shrooms, weed). Quit all hard drugs for at least 5 years. Only use molly like once or twice a year on big events. I've been a daily weed smoker since age 18 and 6 months ago I quit because of job reasons. Now I only take prescriptions drugs (all Rx'd to me) and I've always loved drinking (I drink 3-4 times a week but have slowly down compared to my early 20s)

I was in a car accident 6 months and I get prescribed 10mg percocets 3 times a day for back/neck pain. Started with vicodins and worked up. I've dabbled recreationally with opiates in the past but just a few times a year. I feel that my productivity has increased at work with the percs. It has improved my life with increased confidence, increased focus, lack of anxiety and it actually gives me energy rather than make me drowsy. Of course with time this is decreasing as I become more tolerant, less euphoric and take more than 3 a day but less than 6.

Do I look to wean off before I get too far in?? I have mixed feelings. I'm looking to ask my pain mgmt doc for something with no tylenol (i.e. Roxies or Opana) because I'm concerned about my liver but I feel like that's going to open up a whole new can of worms. Honestly, my pain has decreased although I still wake up with back pain and increases throughout the day as I'm on my feet alot. I also take .5 xanax twice a day from my general doc and get Rx'd ambien which I barely take.

Bottom line is I feel that psychologically my life has improved greatly with opiates but I know in the long run I may pay for it. I don't want to quit

Thoughts?

 

[tricomb]

My $0.02, most of the positive side effects fade, some pretty quickly, with time.

 

[Oxide]

George Carlin said this best:

"At first, it's nearly all pleasure, and very little pain. Over time, the pleasure is replaced by pain until it is nearly all pain and very little pleasure."

Couldn't be more true. The benefits of opiate use are quickly replaced by negatives, one at a time, until you're left with a staggering habit of heroic proportions.

 

[shreddedlettuce]

If you recall how you acted with confidence in those times when you were on opiates, and can apply that in similar situations without the use of drugs, then I would go for it.
Obviously terminate this plan if you start needing to take more to get the same results as at the start of your using it.

And take it from there.

And post any info to keep us updated.

 

[Thomas29]

With everything said I think if you NEEED them for pain than use them.

 

[tokenname]

I drink 3-4 times a week

if you're concerned about your liver..stop drinking while on opiates..
and especially when injesting acetaminophen.

Of course with time this is decreasing as I become more tolerant, less euphoric and take more ..

that will just continue..no matter what opiate/opiod you're rx'd.

Do I look to wean off before I get too far in??

that would be the smart thing to do.

I feel like that's going to open up a whole new can of worms.

i feel like you're probably right.

Bottom line is I feel that psychologically my life has improved greatly with opiates...I don't want to quit

it always starts out that way..
which simply explains a good percentage of ppl becoming opiate addicts, IME/IMO.

Thoughts?

i'd like to think i'd do the smart thing..
but i couldn't say what i'd do in your shoes.
i'm an addict, too.
best of luck..
hope your pain continues to get better.

token

 

[macd610]

it seems as though you know the answer to your own question, to a degree, huh? I am a chronic pain patient and an legitimately prescribed opioids to deal with it. I remember a long time ago I used to be able to get relief from hydrocodone or oxycodone 5 milligrams.
now I am taking 60-75 milligrams at a time of oxycodone and 100 micrograms fentanyl. I was very lucky to find a doctor who was willing to deal with my pain issues. Many people are not as lucky, and that's when things get rough (if you're physically dependent or just downright addicted ).
If you think that you can handle your pain without these medications it seems like now would be a good time to stop... unfortunately if you wait, you may not have the luxury of making that decision later. Good luck!

 

[nyc_bluelighter]

Thanks everyone. Yes...I guess I know the right thing to do. Its difficult when you have legitimate pain but I think I've even fooled my own mind into how much "pain" I really have. For now, I'm glad I found a doctor in NYC willing to give me 30mg of oxycodone in the form of 3 percs 10s daily just for back pain. I'm not going to ask for anything harder as I know I'm playing with fire. I'll try to take as needed.

 

[DeLee]

My $0.02, most of the positive side effects fade, some pretty quickly, with time.

I'll have to agree with you on that.
But I still get a mood-stabilizing effect off of opioids, not as strong as I did 10 years ago but its still there.

 

[Timland]

For me, only thebaine based semi-synthetics including oxycodone and poppy pod tea from certain subspecies of P.Somni that had higher thebaine yielded focus and energy. Felt like a stimulant without the racing heart. i'd go into stereotypical-someone-on-amphetamines-scrubbing-the-floorboards mode when on a good run. i hated it when an opioid made me nod. lol.

But yes, as other have said this benefit does fade with tolerance.