NHS self medication=addiction?

[TxiaHoria55]

Hi,
I'm a little confused right now about what to think on this topic.
I've had chronic pain for a long time, usually back, shoulder and neck problems. Because of that, I've self medicated a lot in my life with paracetamol and ibuprofen. At least since I was 15 (I'm nearly 24). Now I know that my physical pain was probably product of my C-PTSD, and I've been trying my best to decrease that pain.
But I still self medicate a lot. Specially at night, before sleeping, when I'm very stressed and I feel that I need to be able to sleep.
I was able to pass several months without NHS, but since two weeks ago, I've been taking one paracetamol every single night. I've never heard about addiction to NHS, but it's the closest thing that I can compare to. I'm not sure what to do from here. I don't know if talking with the doctor will do anything. But while my blood tests are good, and I worry if this will hurt me. I've never overdosed, never taken more than one pill, but one nearly every single day...
Any ideas on what should I do? Has anyone had this problem? Am I going to die because of this? I feel so dumb...

[Armee]

I don't think you are going to die because of it. I also had chronic muscle and joint pain from untreated trauma. The physical pain is very very real and you don't deserve to suffer. I did find the pain lessened as I treated the trauma with the help of a therapist. In time you may have less pain as you learn to focus on the underlying emotions. Or maybe not. You could try other methods to supplement the pain medication so you rely on it less. Maybe some breathing, meditation, yoga nidra, alternate treatment for chronic pain, ice and heat...maybe some of these things can take the edge off the pain in time so you need less traditional medicine.

I don't think you are addicted or harming yourself though. I think you are trying to manage very real pain.

 

[TxiaHoria55]

Hi Armee,

Thanks for the replying! It made me feel less anxious. I've tried some methods like ice and heat before, but I think I'll check out the other methods you mentioned.