When I was a teenager I was prescribed tramadol after a surgery.
I was in considerable pain so I took it as directed. It was hell a strong stuff and I basically slept 18 hours a day.
A week later I was still in pain, but less. I reduced my dosage below the prescription to only take a dose before bed to make it easier to stay asleep.
Well, did I notice the effects of dependence. It was subtle but throughout the day I'd have intrusive thoughts along the lines of "I haven't had a painkiller yet, I should have one"
If I'd taken the prescribed dose till completion I'd hate to think what my brain would have done.
That scared me enough at the right age that I've never taken illicit drugs. And any time I'm prescribed painkillers Ive ignored the dosage and take just enough to manage.
I was in considerable pain so I took it as directed. It was hell a strong stuff and I basically slept 18 hours a day.
A week later I was still in pain, but less. I reduced my dosage below the prescription to only take a dose before bed to make it easier to stay asleep.
Well, did I notice the effects of dependence. It was subtle but throughout the day I'd have intrusive thoughts along the lines of "I haven't had a painkiller yet, I should have one"
If I'd taken the prescribed dose till completion I'd hate to think what my brain would have done.
That scared me enough at the right age that I've never taken illicit drugs. And any time I'm prescribed painkillers Ive ignored the dosage and take just enough to manage.