Annie's Mailbox Painkiller becomes obsession

Dear Annie: Nine months ago, I had surgery and was put on pain medication. I'd never taken anything stronger than Tylenol before this, but I quickly started liking the way the drug made me feel.
First, I was relieved that the pain was lessened, but after my pain was essentially gone, I started taking the medicine to have energy. I was cleaning out closets and cabinets, and the laundry was so kept up that everyone was in awe of my housekeeping skills.
Then I ran out of the painkiller. At first I thought I'd be OK. I convinced myself that my body had gotten used to working hard. How wrong could someone be? In the beginning, I started having headaches. Then my legs started hurting so much I couldn't get out of bed. I knew it could be withdrawal, but I didn't tell my husband that.
When I finally made it out of bed long enough to get something to drink, I came across a pill that I'd accidentally put aside. I took it and immediately got that familiar burst of energy.
Now I've become a closet pill person. I go to the doctor and fake pains. Since I keep my husband's business ledgers, I tell the doctor I suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. I'm totally out of control, and I don't know what to do. I'm scared to go into rehab because if I ever need another surgery, or even dental work, they'll be reluctant to give me anything for pain. I'll forever be labeled an addict.
My question is, how can I control this? I can't talk to my friends or family because they would be shocked. Please help. Addicted to Painkillers
Dear Addicted: Some pain medications can be extremely habit-forming, and it's not hard to become addicted. It's good that you recognize you are out of control, but you're going to need help. Please contact Narcotics Anonymous (na.org) or Pills Anonymous (pillsanonymous.com). Good luck.
Dear Annie: You recently published a letter from "Always Have To Keep Up," who said her husband is a "total neat freak." She describes obsessive- compulsive cleaning and ordering behaviors that have already impacted her life and the lives of their children.
Unfortunately, her efforts toward raising well-adjusted kids will continue to be severely and negatively impacted by her husband's obsession with neatness and compulsive cleaning behaviors. He will not be able to keep quiet about how his children do things, nor will he stop modeling obsessive-compulsive behaviors for them.
Unless this man seeks treatment, these issues likely will become more pronounced, complex and damaging as the children mature and become more independent. In many cases, the inability to do things to the standards of the individual can lead to anger and even abuse.
Please refer this wife and her husband to www.nimh.nih.-gov/healthinformation to learn more about obsessive-compulsive disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Joanne M. Moore, Licensed Professional Counselor, Virginia
Dear Joanne Moore: Thank you for your expert assistance. Another good source of information about obsessive-compulsive disorder and its treatment is the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation (ocfoundation.org).
Dear Annie: "Mark in Connecticut" offered a very good list of precautions to take when camping or hiking. I would like to add one.
Hike with a companion, or if you hike alone, let someone know where you are. Recently an acquaintance was hiking alone. She waded along a creek, slipped on a rock and knocked herself unconscious. She fell face down into the creek and drowned. Her body was found three days later. She left two young children. F.P.
Dear F.P.: How tragic, especially since it might have been avoided. Thank you for your sad warning.
Annie's Snippet
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" credit Martin Luther King Jr.
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