[SybilMarie]

I just had surgery to remove my hemorrhoids and was prescribed Percocet for the pain. However, because of the ongoing opioid epidemic, I've developed a major fear of becoming an addict to them. I have Asperger's Syndrome and this is triggering severe panic attacks in me. Please help me.

Does anybody have any advice?

Thanks.

[luvyrself]

A lot of people will know more about this than I do. However, I think the risky situations are those where you might need something for long term pain. You should be fine once you heal and don’t need any pain pills. Most people don’t get addicted. I had a herniated disc in my back OUCH when I started teaching and took hydrocodone for it for 6 months and had no addiction when I stopped at all.
You could probably ask the doctor for the most powerful non opioid painkillers if you are concerned.. He would know if it would be strong enough.

[bpcyclist]

Recovering opiate addict here (11 years clean). Also have written a huge number of Percocet prescriptions over the years, believe it or not. If you take it as prescribed, there is almost no chance of getting into trouble with one or two prescription orders. Don't not treat your pain because of your fear of addiction. But also, don't take it if you don't need it. That procedure you had is pretty painful postop. Do not be a hero, treat your pain. The chances of you becoming dependent are very, very low.

[Sometimes psychotic]

When I had a laproscopic surgery for my ovaries they gave me Percocet...they told me that you want to take it before you feel pain, so on a schedule and you wouldn’t get addicted. Something about the cycle of pain....if you wait until you feel pain it’s bad.

Honestly though the stuff made me so nauseous I couldn’t take it past the first pill. I just used Advil instead. I seem to be sensitive to some meds and not need as high a dose, probably due to which cytochromes I have. Don’t feel bad though if you can take it you should, they gave it to you for a reason.