Posted by Christ_empowered on August 23, 2010, at 1:09:32
In reply to Meds: Addiction vs. Medical Dependence, posted by simcha on August 22, 2010, at 23:59:39
I don't think there's any dose at which meds (usually controlled substances) used for treatment become "addictive" or ongoing use indicates "addiction," although higher doses would probably set off more whistles than lower doses.
I seem to recall reading an article written back when they were still using lots of amphetamines and barbiturates about "therapeutic addiction." Basically, the doc writing the piece (wish I could find a link, sorry) thought that the important thing was that the "therapeutic addiction" resulted in a) an improved quality of life and b) prevented something worse than being "hooked" on the substance(s) prescribed. So, if you're on Klonopin and the klonopin improves your quality of life, reduces your suicide risk, and keeps you from, say, drinking heavily or doing something else that could be damaging to your health and well-being, then this "therapeutic addiction" is OK b/c benefits outweigh the (rather socially acceptable) addiction/dependence. I like the "therapeutic addiction" model b/c it doesn't require you to differentiate between "dependence" and "addiction"; it just asks you to look at the pros and cons.
poster:Christ_empowered
thread:959454
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100821/msgs/959457.html