I am taking Morphene and Larazapan. I am on a low dose but have been taking the Larazapan since Oct 07 and the morphene since Dec. I'm needing to go back to work. I'm not pain free. I worry about what to take for the pain so I can go back to work as well as worry about finding I'm addicted. Can anyone share their experiences? I have an appointment at something called the pain clinic but they couldn't get me in until Sept. Please help. Nervous and scared.

long term use of painkillers of any description can indeed lead to dependency.I dont think the word addiction really applies here.pain clinics are specialist in managing pain,and the prescribing of drugs,and i am sure if they think you are taking to many then they will sort you out a reduction regime.whatever you do,do not stop taking them suddenly.Sudden withdrawl can cause all the horrendous syptoms you see in drug addicts going cold turkey,and you dont want that.it is usual to reduce the dose gradually over a period of two weeks to allow your body to adjust

I so agree with Liz, my husband decided that he didn't need painkillers any more and unbeknown to me stopped taking morphine and paracetamol. It put him back 4 weeks. I managed to get the Dr to tell him it wasn't the best thing to do.

Hi Laurel,
If you are interested in getting off the pain medications (and your doctor agrees), you may want to try using acupuncture.

A specific form of acupuncture called Auricular (Ear) acupuncture is very effective at helping individuals overcome addiction. The treatment helps to balance the emotional symptoms, curb cravings, and manage physical withdrawal effects.

You can read more about the treatment in this article from altMD.com:
Acupuncture for Addiction and Substance Abuse

Additionally, since you seem to still be in pain, the acupuncture treatments can also help to manage the pain, further decreasing your need for the pain medication.

yes i am addicted to morphine,i have been telling my g.p for ages and all he said was well you still need it dont worry.i saw him a couple of weeks ago and asked him how to get off of it and he said to just to do it gradually over the next few months.the other saturday my grandaughter who's 5 stayed overnight and slept in my bed with me.i totally forgot to take it and when i woke in the morning i could not get out of bed because i felt so ill.i remembered i had not taken the morphin and after taking it i was back to normal in 30 minutes,very scary shirl xxx

I was on morphine while I was inpatient after getting Flappy, and used liquid hydrocodone when I went home. I didn't get addicted to either because I wasn't dosing myself; the nurses and then my mom were very responsible dosers. I was also in remarkably little pain.

Last Fall I was given hydrocodone tablets and then Lorcet tablets (not at the same time) after some fairly serious dental work which was actually more painful than my cancer surgery. I used them more often and longer than I should have (I've always been told to use my meds until they're gone) but I can't say that I was addicted. I stopped taking them because on several occasions I fell asleep on the bus to work and very nearly missed my stop.

Laurel: Have you been to the pain clinic? Were they able to help you?

Shirl, your doctor doesn't seem to be listening to you. Unless you have a problem with needles, acupuncture just might be able to help. I wish you the best.