My first pain management doctor was a pill guy...for six years he just kept piling on new drug after new drug...It got to the point where I was taking meds to deal with side effects from other meds. And I felt the same way, like he was keeping me dependent on him because it was good for business. He controlled me through my meds. When you're in pain and physically dependent on pain meds to survive, whoever controls those meds has complete power over your life. He screamed at me when I tried to ask him if I should look into surgery after six years of trying every treatment available. Literally SCREAMED AT ME!!! I never went back. But the persecution continues of everyone who uses narcotics. And it's like you constantly have to prove to the world that you have a legitimate need and are not an addict!!

It got easier for me when an addiction counselor explained to me the difference between addiction and physical dependency. She helped me to honestly analyze my narcotic use and see myself as physically dependent, and NOT an addict. Once I was able to understand it myself, it became easier to deflect the attitudes of ignorant and suspicious people. I know it sounds kinda hokey, but it really does help.....