“Is my daughter dependent on paracetamols? Could it be a psychological problem?”

This might be a really good question to ask someone who deals with addiction or your general doctor. And also to develop an understanding of where your daughter is obtaining the substance from.

As far as I know, these analgesics, such as Tylenol, are not addictive. I would ask her why she takes them. Does she have headaches? Other chronic pain? The reason for taking these pills is worth addressing.

Peace,

Marian

I would recommend that she consult with a psychologist or psychiatrist to be evaluated.

From your specifying "paracetamol," I'm assuming you are outside of the U.S. You are right to be worried about your daughter, and the best doctor to take her for a consultation is your primary family doctor, internist, or GP. The doctor will assess for whether your daughter is using it for pain relief and the other options for treatment. It is likely there's a psychological component to your daughter's situation, but her family doctor should first assess for what she's going through physically, and if warranted, your doctor may refer her to a psychologist. If your doctor does not refer her to one, please initiate an appointment with a psychologist for your daughter. It's best to approach this issue from both physical and emotional angles.

I wish you and your daughter the best.

From your specifying “paracetamol,” I’m assuming you are outside of the U.S. You are right to be worried about your daughter, and the best doctor to take her for a consultation is your primary family doctor, internist, or GP. The doctor will assess for whether your daughter is using it for pain relief and the other options for treatment. It is likely there’s a psychological component to your daughter’s situation, but her family doctor should first assess for what she’s going through physically, and if warranted, your doctor may refer her to a psychologist. If your doctor does not refer her to one, please initiate an appointment with a psychologist for your daughter. It’s best to approach this issue from both physical and emotional angles. I wish you and your daughter the best.

Dear Parent,
 
Crocin is generally taken for headaches or body pain or fever.  Has your daughter complained about any physical symptoms?  You mention that your daughter says that she is very dependent on it through the day.  Is she taking something else at night?  Have you asked her where she gets the money to buy the medicine and what is the reason for her to hide the dependency from you?
 
To get to the roots of her physical ailments and appropriate care she would need to see her pediatrician so they can order necessary tests to rule out any physical causes that would lead to the aches and pains, e.g. arthritis, etc., so she can get the proper necessary treatment.  Otherwise unsupervised overdosed medication usage may lead to other physical problems such as liver failure.
 
I am glad that you found the Crocin so you can guide your daughter in the right path of maintaining good physical and mental health.
 
Take care.

Probably a combination of a psychiatrist/psychologist who deal with drug dependency/addiction and can address the dual diagnosis for why your daughter is using.

I’d definitely bring this to the attention of her medical doctor. Depending on why she’s taking this would determine if there’s a medical or psychological problem.

I am sorry to hear about this. I recommend you consult an addictions rehabilitation specialist, as well as a medical doctor to obtain an evaluation to see if there is a biological component to pain she has. Addictions unfortunately fall into the realms of medical and psychological treatment so both are needed for monitoring her. Additionally, family psychotherapy has been found to be extremely effective for treating adolescents with substance abuse issues. I hope this helps!

I would not be so worried but have her maybe see a medical doctor or if she has one already and let them decide what is right for her. At these ages and times we have a tendency to over indulge and try to be what we really aren’t. This is part of growing up and she should eventually change soon enough. The social aspect of young women is way too much in America. Let her know she is loved and you worry about her. This can only help.

I'm not an MD. I am a psychologist who works with many patients that suffer the side-effects of long-term uses of medication. The first thing I notice is that you did not mention what type of pain she is self-medicating. That seems to be significant in choosing what type of doctor. Further, if you don't mention it here, it begs the question whether you have a relationship with her where the thing that needs to be discussed the most is ignored the most. The question nagging me is why don't you know the reason she takes these pills? Where's the mother-daughter dialogue? I can't encourage you enough to talk with her more. If that's difficult, maybe a few sessions with a therapist (for you) would help you help her.

Additionally, the more artificial means we use to kill pain the more we diminish our own abilities to manufacture natural pain killing chemicals. Also, pain is a warning sign that needs to be heeded. Whatever she is medicating needs attention.

Lastly, many of us have learned from our parents rescuing us from emotional pain that pain is something we should not have to endure. Upon believing we should not have pain, we create a fear of or aversion of pain, which is a painful way to live and makes us prone to addiction.

First, what does she take it for? It is a plant derivative and is used mainly for pain and/or sinus issues. I would first check with your family doctor and he will recommend from there.