I have taken Vicodin for 20 years for arthritis, two collapsed discs in my back and spondylolisthesis. I also have fibromyalgia and nerve pain that can leave me bed-ridden for days. When I get an episode, I take Vicodin to get me on my feet again.

I cannot understand the media recognition this medication gets; being equated to something like heroin in most cases. It does not produce a high and feels like I took a Benadryl. Taking more than 1-2 pills can cause upset stomach, even vomiting – so I couldn’t overdose even if I was an addict. I’m allergic to Motrin and Aleve.

What happens to people like me who are automatically viewed as drug addicts by using this Rx? It is the users responsibility – not the government or others to address an addictive personality.

Addictive personalities are the cause of all addictions – not the things they are addicted to. It is not fair to punish, chastise or defame those who use these Rx’s for a medical condition and do so responsibly.