This topic is always controversial. I think that an addict, is an addict, is an addict and will always look at ways of getting whatever gives them a high. Unfortunately, we are in a society that is punishing a group of people that use pain medication as it was intended. Like many things, Lyrica included, we develop a tolerance, so our dosage is upped to accommodate it. This isn't the case with pain meds, for some reason. It's viewed as addictive if we require higher dosages after using it for long periods of time.
I stumbled on the significant relief using hydrocodone for a completely different issue. I used to have horrible stomach cramps during that time of the month. (this is a number of years ago, maybe 7-8?) My gynocologist prescribed hydrocodone for those months that they were really bad (I would pass out from the pain). I realized after a couple of times of using them, that the pain in my feet, and legs, and back, and neck, etc., etc., was significantly improved! I was able to get things done around the house! I could garden! It was nice! It actually gave me energy. So I talked with my primary care physician and he began prescribing a limited amount each month.
With pain medication, it takes a few rounds of taking it to get on top of the pain, on the days I want to get things done around the house, or if we are camping, I want to be able to go and do things, I start my regiment in the morning, taking my pain meds, or the night before if I need to function in the morning. I have never felt high or different taking them, other than reduced pain. When my pain is tolerable, I don't take them. I have never felt the NEED for them. On my good periods, I can go weeks without even thinking about them, on my bad days, I can tolerate pain much of the time. If the pain becomes untolerable or I really need to get something done that requires I move when I'm in significant pain, I use them.
The sad thing is, because we do become tolerant (like other meds), I will never be able to get more than the lowest dose. I have been to pain management and none believe in opiate use. My primary doc is limited and they are so significantly scrutinized on what they can prescribe. I have to make do with the amount he does feel comfortable with. The past year I have had more good days than bad, so I'm usually able to keep a buffer, in the event that I have more bad. Unfortunately, that has come to pass this past 4 months. I have had the most challenging time with pain and fatigue. How do I manage it? I suffer and purposely don't take them for as long as I can tolerate it, then for several days I allow myself to get on top of the pain to regroup, knowing I'll be suffering again once I stop. It's the way it is these days, sadly, and I only see it getting more difficult.
I'm waiting for the warmer weather so I can just go back to not taking them most of the time and only taking them when I want to function again....
My heart hurts for those that have family members who are addicted, or who have lost family and friends to addiction. It's just unfortunate that the one penalizes others.