[Idler]

I have sort of two questions here...

I'm relatively new to therapy - about 2 months in now, and she keeps nudging me in the direction of getting anti-anxiety/depression medication. I'm worried about taking anything because about 8 years back I had a pretty serious addiction to hydrocodone/soma.

I haven't had the urge in at least 5 - 6 years. But since I've never taken anti-anxiety/depression meds, I'm worried if any of these might be habit-forming for me.

On the other hand, I'm really concerned about whether I should tell the therapist about my history of dependence - I knew a guy once that told me about how telling a doctor/healthcare professional made it damn near impossible to get painkillers when he needed them after a car accident.

Is this true? I don't want to **** myself in case I have health problems down the road and really need them. Does anyone have experience with this?

[gayleggg]

Telling your therapist shouldn't affect your being prescribed meds since the therapist can't prescribe them anyway. And unless you give her permission she can't talk to your doctor about it. It seems safe to tell her, to me. Maybe she could help you past your fears or at least quit pushing for the meds, as they can be addictive.

[Moogieotter]

Many modern anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medications have been studied rigourously to determine if there's potential for abuse and dependence. SSRIs for example are low risk even for someone with a history of rx abuse. If it were me, I would explain your history and concerns openly. Good luck.

moogs

I wouldn't be too concerned about not getting that pain killer in a moment of crisis. Your medical records don't follow you around if you don't let it. An ER doctor isn't going to know that you had a problem with hydro 8 years ago from another situation somewhere else. Most likely that will be true in the near future when they bury an encoded microchip with "you" on it under your skin to get your info instantly with a reader no matter where you are at. They gave me Buspar for my anxiety and I hated the way it made me feel. I rather have the anxiety.