Question: I started taking powerful painkillers in 2006 because of severe back pain. I now take Vicodin and I’d like to end my dependency. What can I do to both deal with my back issue and end my addiction?

Dr. Hibberd’s answer:

Narcotic pain medications like Vicodin are actually not as effective for chronic pain, but are best for treating acute pain. Many professionals fail to realize the importance of adding an anti-inflammatory for acute and chronic pain.

The use of anti-inflammatory medications early on will not only reduce the need for narcotics, but will relieve pain more effectively than any Vicodin-like drug alone, without the drowsiness and judgment impairment that often accompanies narcotic use. Tolerance to narcotic use is common, especially with chronic pain, and you will need to see a physician to provide you with appropriate diagnosis and back-pain management while gradually reducing your narcotic tolerance.

If you are addicted to narcotics, you may want to see an addiction specialist and may benefit from a psychiatric consultation. Many depression medications can also relieve pain.