Living with chronic pain obviously means frequently taking pain medication. Part of accepting your illness and living with discomfort is learning to be responsible with your medications. In addition to the things I’ve already discussed, there are other precautions to consider. For example, if old enough to drive, you need to be aware of: (1) how your medication may be currently impairing your judgment, (2) how it could affect you when it kicks in later, and (3) what you’ll be doing when it starts working. Always keep these things in mind before getting behind the wheel of a car. You don’t want to become drowsy while driving.
Driving under the influence not only includes alcohol, but any substance that impairs judgment. When medicated, be responsible and choose not to drive when your judgment is diminished. This may mean having somebody else take you places. Though it might stink to have to rely on others in this manner, for safety’s sake, that’s what needs to be done.
Another part of being responsible with your pain medications is not taking more than what’s necessary. Take whatever measures you need to ensure you don’t overdose; that can be a fatal mistake. Being responsible with your medications also includes not taking them with alcohol or recreational drugs. Mixing prescriptions with these substances can have lethal consequences. The news frequently announces the accidental death of a celebrity that mixed prescription medication with alcohol.
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