Is SWIM addicted to Diphenhydramine?

[yepitsme]

SWIM takes about 5-6 diphenhyramine 50mg pills so around 250-300 each usage..the problem is SWIM has read that this drug isnt addictive..but SWIM wants its it b/c in SWIM likes the body high it gives (and SWIM is going through a stressful time )...250-300mg isnt enough to kill you but SWIM finds that she wants to take it almost everyday..Has SWIM become addicted? What are the longterm effects of this drug..Or should SWIM not worry b/c she is taking relatively low amounts and diphenhydramine

[Swift Serenity]

I think SWIM has become psychologically addictive. I used to take 300mg every single night but i stopped cause my girlfriend told me to. SWIM can easily get off it. I got to 12 pills cause it started at 2, then 4 and so on.. i just took 16, and nothing has happen for about 2 hours.

[poorleno]

That's a very good question- if you want my opinion, I would say that person who ain't you is actually addicted. From my personal experience, I know someone who isn't me either had a very serious problem in a way; doing frequent, daily, low doses just to manage other issues going on. Almost led to two whole years of life down the pan. Functional but very dull. Fortunately, from discussions with SWIM, it seems actually relatively easy to break and at the levels described, does not appear to have caused any (obvious) damage. Blood tests also confirmed no obvious renal and hepatic damage. The individual felt rather dumb for a fair while after stopping dph but this impaired function doesn't seem to have sustained and the brain and short-term memory seemed to be at almost normal levels after around 30 days. It's best to take the DIY approach in getting off it as a lot of docs will even deny that such an addiction is possible! The long-term is the big unknown; the affected individual I know is unsure whether say in their forties or fifties, they will end up with a Parkinsons or Alzheimer issue and then have to answer whether there was a connection but at least in the short-term, stopping seems relatively easy compared to many others and damage seems low. Good luck, medicating those sorts of issues can easily get out of hand.

[Lobsang]

Anecdotal reports indicate that it is likley that the substance can be addictive. Also the dose being taken is not "small". Also there can be negative effects from the drug on the body over time. The only way SWIM will know if she is addicted is to stop the drug and see.

[Swift Serenity]

SWIM just got off the drug for like 2 days and had HORRIBLE headache? are there effects when u get off the drug?

[Orchid_Suspiria]

This stuff isn't addictive physically but it can be very addictive psychologically.Afterall it is an easy to get,cheap high.Swim took note of this and found himself sort of mentally hooked on this stuff for quite sometime.

[Swift Serenity]

same with SWIM but he hasnt took it in like a week. plannin on havin a fun trip in about a week

[Swift Serenity]

so SWIM thinks he is addicted to this.. even though on the bottle it says non-habiting forum, SWIM cant belive that.. reason are because:

SWIM loves the feeling
SWIM feels like he needs them
SWIM is always wanting a constant high
SWIM went to the hospital for taking 98 pills in 4 days
after that hospital SWIM still wants it..
he took 500mg the night before
same amount next day
then 600mg tonight

he is scared that he is addicted..

anyone give good advice for SWIM? thanks

[RaverHippie]

your friend is addicted and has no self-control* regarding diphenhydramine. It's clearly evident given the types of posts you make about him.

*See the section in bold for areas for improvement.

[Swift Serenity]

yea he doesnt at all.. the first thing he thinks about when he gets off work is diphenhydramine. he craves it..

everytime he gets a bottle of the 100 pills he will finish it within 4-5 days. very bad huh? i think he needs to get help

[RashleySmashley]

SWIY just has to straight up get away for a couple days to detox. Its a fuckin bitch, but seriously is the only way to get out of the death- vortex of addiction. Its really goin to be mind- blowing once SWIY hits day 3-4 and sobriety kind of takes hold, what kinda shit SWIY will begin to realize! Like how miserable one gets after while when chained to a substance for routine functions, etc... But seriously, getting away for a little is crucial.

[Orchid_Suspiria]

Well swim warned swiy.Don't worry though it isn't physically addicting.Just STOP thats all swiy needs to do with this stuff.Easy as can be.

[Swift Serenity]

yea right now swim is just staring at the bottle.. wanting to open it but not.. he is really fighting it right now.. i think he should just go to bed and throw them down the drain.. untill he gets more next week or something.

[RaverHippie]

How about not getting anymore?

Reputation Comments on this post:

Sounds like a good idea.

[Orchid_Suspiria]

Yes not getting anymore sounds like the best plan here.This stuff really isn't even worth all the trouble.

[Swift Serenity]

once this bottle is gone, he is gonna not get anymore.. hopefully lol

[moda00]

Originally Posted by Orchid_Suspiria

Well swim warned swiy.Don't worry though it isn't physically addicting.Just STOP thats all swiy needs to do with this stuff.Easy as can be.

Originally Posted by RaverHippie

How about not getting anymore?

Beating an addiction is not "easy as can be." If the use of pills is taking a substantial role in swiy's life- psychological space, taking his time and energy, something to look forward to- all the roles the drug of choice plays need to be filled by something else if one is to get sober. That is why no matter the drug of choice, it helps to look at one's motives for starting and continuing to use, remind and write down (the list is a good start) negative consequences of use, and why one wants to stop. Seeking support from multiple sources, getting involved in groups or therapy, things like exercise, journaling, volunteering, etc. can all help fill one's mind and time and distract one from the drug, but it is not ever easy to overcome an addiction, and when someone seeks help and advice because they are struggling and wanting to stop, it serves no one's interests to act as though it is their fault and that they should be ashamed or use sarcasm to cover the seriousness of the problem. Perhaps I misunderstand, but regardless of the drug of choice an individual who has been using in these harmful patterns and feels compelled to keep using despite negative consequences has a problem- which s/he is acknowledging and seeking advice for.

Responsiblity? YES- that is what recovery is all about. But there is NO need for blame or guilt, the first step is acknowledging the problem and deciding one wants to stop, but it is obviously not easy. If it were, addicts would not continue using after so many problems- no one enjoys going to the hospital, losing respect, not being in control of their thoughts or bodies, etc.

Best of luck and please keep us posted.