[HappyWife]

My mother, who has a history of drug abuse, claims to have arthritis and is taking a lot of pills for that and some other conditions. I'm mildly concerned that the latest round of pills is another prescripton crutch for her. Does anyone know whether medication used to control arthritis is addictive? I'm really worried.

[dzblond]

Most doctors only prescribe anti-inflamitory drugs. They are not addicting, but can cause other problems..check out this site from the Arthritis Foundation to learn all about the different kinds of options and resources. You mom may be using Rx pain killers, but that doesn't take care of the inflamation. The pain is a cause of inflamation. Be supportive, and don't lecture her..let her know you are learning ways to help her.
http://www.arthritis.org/resources/a...rug_News_2.asp

[mcmama]

I think this is great advice. I too have arthritis. Anti inflammatories are typical of what are prescribed. If she over does those, she will have stomach problems.
Hot and cold compresses also help the pain. And sometimes physical therapy is recommended so that a patient is not losing the loss of muscle because of the inflammation in the joint. She may also find some relief with addings certain vitamins. Her doctor needs to talk with her about this.
A doctor prescribed prednisone to my aunt some years back for arthritis. She had a terrible reaction to it. She had a lot of swelling and weakness. She changed doctors after that. (He was very young and condescending, called her by her first name, and always said "hop up on that table, young lady". He didn't like it when she told him she didn't hop for anyone.) You want to be careful to watch mom for reactions to medications.
I have arthritis in my right hip as a complication of childbirth 20 years ago. I find that chiropractic also helps relieve the pain - as my back can get very messed up when there is a flare up

[markybee0]

Hi,i dont know of these drugs being addictave but after reading an article on www.healthmembershipsite.com/arthritis6.php there are other dangers in overdosing of drugs.Hope this helps you,regards,mark

[RobertSRister]

Sorry to hear about your concern. I'm not aware of any arthritis drug that is addictive. On the other hand, it's very common for arthritis pain to be treated with Vicodin, and in rare cases, Oxycontin.

[nahanniriver]

I have a friend who has a bad case of arthritis - she seems to take too much medicine. I am in a similar situation as you, but I guess it could be that a person gets "addicted" to the belief in the medicine and therefore takes too much of it?