First off, your story is so inspiring. Overcoming addiction is one of the hardest things anyone can do. My question stems from my own situation. I have had multiple back surgeries, had my tailbone removed, have cysts on my spine… just a lot of shit. As you can imagine, I see tons of doctors and have had numerous procedures to help me function, be able to go to work, drive, and do everyday things. This also comes with pain medication. It all started with about 7 different medications a day. I’ve worked my way down to only 3 medications a day that I believe I need to make existence bearable. All of this to say, I am absolutely terrified of getting addicted to my medications. I give myself panic attacks thinking I am already addicted because it’s almost impossible to physically function without it. I’ve never taken illegal drugs (or thought about it) but the prescription medications scare me.
My question is, are there signs to look for before addiction happens? It probably sounds idiotic to say but I am making my blood pressure high just stressing about becoming addicted, and worried I’ll never have a life without medication again. Addiction can, and will, take everything. I witnessed it firsthand with my father. That is why I am terrified of it overcoming me. I would just like to know if there’s signs, and what I need to look out for. Thank you for taking the time to read my rambling and I wish you all the best.
1 thought on “Question for Josh: Looking for Signs of Addiction”
I suppose it depends on what you’re taking. If it’s an opioid, the first sign for me was sneezing… a lot… and then the sweats. Then the air would physically hurt my skin. Not so much that it was debilitating, but those were the first signs when I knew I couldn’t really “go without”.
Those are just the physical manifestations. Next, there are the wanting solace… no motivation and avoiding friends/family. Really, just existing. Just trying to get through today, but not actually living or enjoying.
Again—just my experience.