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Drug abuse is a phenomenon that is on the rise. It starts with losing prescriptions, not being able to remember how much you have consumed, or even claiming that the doctor wrote for the wrong prescription.
A series of consistent events often indicate abuse rather than coincidence. A single transaction does not necessarily mean abuse and can be overlooked but if it is a repeated violation, you are not only denying what is going on to yourself but you are also making yourself vulnerable to the DEA and putting your health at severe risk.
What drugs do you need to watch out for?
There are many prescription drugs that have addictive potential but the three classes that are most commonly abused are opioids (often used to treat pain), central nervous system depressants (used to treat anxiety or sleep disorders), and stimulants (often used to treat sleep disorders, narcolepsy, or attention deficit disorders).
Some questions that you can ask to confirm a suspicion about abuse?
How often does the patient go to the pharmacy?
Has the patient claimed that they have moved and does not want the previous doctor contacted?
Is the patient paying with cash?
Does the patient have a last known address?
Is it hard to contact the patient?
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Are there any prescription pads missing at the hospital/pharmacy that they go to?
Does the patient claim only a particular drug works or that nothing else works?
Does the patient refuse to go to only one physician?
Does the patient frequently lose medications?
Does the patient demand drugs with high street value?
Does the patient have prescriptions from multiple doctors or have prescriptions filled at multiple pharmacies?
Does the patient cooperate with the rest of the treatment plan for their condition such as non-drug therapy?
If any of the above answers confirm a suspicion, which behavior is it most consistent with?
Compulsive drug seeking/use despite knowing the harmful consequences and changes in brain - addiction
Regular drug use which results in withdrawal if the drug is discontinued - physical dependence
Abuse of 2 or more drugs at the same time - poly-drug abuse
Taking a medication in a manner other than what it is prescribed for - prescription drug abuse
Do you need a higher dose of medication than before to get the same effect - tolerance
Do you feel strange symptoms when the medication is discontinued - withdrawal
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If none of the above applies, what is your role?
Unfortunately, because of this type of behavior, people who really need these medications are not getting what they need. This cannot continue to be ignored. Make sure to explain your history and your complaint as detailed as you can so that there is no question as to whether you actually need the medication. Many physicians will under-treat pain because of the fear of drug abuse so it is imperative that you are thorough.
If you want to learn more about addiction, spotting it, or even confronting it, you can go to:
www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Prescription/
If you or someone you know needs help with prescription drug abuse, you can call CSAT Substance Abuse Treatment Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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