CHAPTER 6
Medicine Tolerance and Addiction
When treating cancer pain, addiction is rarely a problem.
Addiction is when people can’t control their seeking or craving for something. They continue to take medicine or do something even when it causes them harm. Often people are taking medicines when they do not have pain. They take it for psychological reasons, not physical. But people with cancer need strong medicine to help control their pain. Yet some people are so afraid of becoming addicted to pain medicine that they won’t take it. Family members may also worry that their loved ones will get addicted to pain medicine. Therefore, they sometimes encourage loved ones to “hold off” between doses But even though they may mean well, it’s best to take your medicine as prescribed.
People in pain get the most relief when they take their medicines on schedule. And don’t be afraid to ask for larger doses if you need them. As mentioned on page 13, developing a tolerance to pain medicine is common. But taking cancer pain medicine is not likely to cause addiction. If you’re not a drug addict, you won’t become one. Even if you have had an addiction problem before, you still deserve good pain management. Talk with your doctor or nurse about your concerns.
