HUGE problem from an "old Amp-L-er"

[Lindsay Nielsen]

Hi Andrew,

So glad you wrote about your addiction and what you're going through. So sorry that it's been so hard. I have read your posts for a lot of years Andrew, it's not too late. I know this post was a hard one to write but I just want to remind you that your addiction doesn't wipe out who you are, and you have been part of this community for a long time and you get to need some help for yourself. It's just that good intentions, will power, and promises aren't enough once you're addicted. 

I started using after being addicted to morphine in the hospital when I was in my accident at 14. I really think that I am one of those people that would have become an addict anyway but there is something so incredibly powerful about the combination of  pain relief and a high. I didn't really get straight until I was 21. That said, nothing like enduring 50 surgeries, and chronic pain. ANYONE, (even without the help of addict genes) can get addicted to pain killers. Clearly, you have 2 problems, addiction and chronic pain. Unfortunately, pain killers end up contributing to a cycle that makes the need for them greater.

You need real help and I know it's out there. You really need substance dependency treatment, or rehab as you call it. In MN there are ways to get treatment even if you don't have insurance, which is true in lots of other states as well. 

Before I went into private practice I was an out-patient chemical dependency treatment counselor. I also worked at the VA for a bit. I would be happy to try and find you some info. for your town. What state are you in? Do you have vets benefits? Have you talked with the people at the pain clinic you were involved with? Do you know any people in recovery? You might consider attending a group like NA (narcotics anonymous), there will be other people like you who have struggled with pain medication addiction. They also might have really good information on treatment in your area. Don't worry if you don't believe in "the program," just get yourself there so you have some community. There's a site called the treatment finder 

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 
CLICK HERE http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/facilitylocatordoc.htm
to enter the drug abuse and alcoholism Treatment Facility Locator 


Don't stop talking Andrew, talk more. 

Lindsay

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Andrew P. Bell 
  To: Amputee Information Network 
  Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2004 1:47 AM
  Subject: HUGE problem from an "old Amp-L-er"


  Dear List,

   

  First off- this is a VERY long problem/question.  It has to do with the pain I suffer due to RSD and the meds I take that I have become addicted to and have been abusing for some time.  Please, if you think you can help me, or at least have some sage advice for me, read on.  If you have no interest in this subject (and I don’t blame you for not wanting any part of it!) then just hit the ol’ delete key and move on to the next message in you inbox.  Second of all- I tend to get very long-winded and verbose.  If you read every third o fourth word, you’ll still get the gist of things <grin.> Finally- I’m sorry to have brought this issue here; I do feel, though, that it happened in part because of the amputation and has probably happened to other amputees, as well.  Okay, if you’re sticking with me, here we go...

   

  I
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