Addiction Suspicion and RA

Being shamed or regarded with suspicion when you seek treatment for pain can be hurtful and isolating. Unfortunately, it’s not an unusual experience. Members on myRAteam report instances of being shamed by close family and friends and even healthcare professionals for needing pain medication.

“My husband jabs at the fact that I have to take medication for the pain and makes me feel like I am an addict,” one member wrote.

Another member shared her negative experiences at the pharmacy: “They look at me as if I'm a drug addict when I pick up my meds every month.”

Several members have had very emotionally distressing exchanges with doctors about their pain management needs. “I have enough trouble dealing with my deep depression without my doctor making me feel like a worthless drug addict,” a member on myRAteam wrote.

While some members on myRAteam have had negative experiences with doctors, many have ultimately found physicians who are respectful of and responsive to their pain management needs.

“It took me three doctors to finally get one that seems to understand my pain. We need more understanding of this excruciatingly painful disease and it saddens me that people are so judgmental,” a member commented.

On myRAteam, the social network and online support group for those living with rheumatoid arthritis, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Shame and accusation around pain medication is one of the most frequently discussed topics.

Here are some question-and-answer threads about suspicion of addiction and the use of pain
medication:

• Why can’t I just get pain medication whatever it may be?

• Family Support

• Do other doctors take your pain meds down to a very low dose?

Here are some conversations about suspicion of addiction and the use of pain medication:

• “I have enough problems with deep depression without him making me feel worthless.”

• “The doctor refuses to give me T3 because he doesn’t want me to become addicted!”

• “They look at me as if I’m a drug addict when I pick up my meds every month.”

Can you relate?

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to myRAteam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.