It’s a pretty common problem that a drug addict gets sober, but really does need some type of medication and no one will prescribe it for him because of his past with addiction. It becomes a catch-22. If you are honest with the doctors, they won’t help, if you like to them, you are hurting yourself in the long run. What should you do?
Stick with one doctor: This doctor will know your history as well as what issues you have, such as anxiety, panic disorder or insomnia. As time goes on a trust will be established between the two of you so that he is willing to explore the possibility of non-narcotic answers.
Sign releases: If you have been previously diagnosed with any issues that required medication, sign releases for your current doctor to access those records. Having nothing to hide from him will go a long way in his trusting you when it comes to current medication needs.
Keep an open mind: For example, if you have anxiety, and you are a drug addict (even if your drug of choice is opiates), there is no way you will be treated with Xanax. Allow for the possibility that something other than a narcotic will help keep your panic attacks under control. Give your doctor a chance to try several medications until one of them or a combination of them works.
Ask for information: Request information about medications he does provide. For example, he writes a prescription for a sleeping aid or an anxiety medication. Ask him why he chose that medication, what it will do, and if it typically works with a drug addict. (Some medications are just too weak due to an addict’s tolerance.)
Final thoughts: Becoming informed about what is available to help you empowers you to partner with your doctor. It is a delicate balance to find the right medications while at the same time not triggering your addiction. You might be interested in:
Prescription pain relief seen as gateway to Heroin
Billy Armstrong’s Post-Rehab Interview
Stick with one doctor: This doctor will know your history as well as what issues you have, such as anxiety, panic disorder or insomnia. As time goes on a trust will be established between the two of you so that he is willing to explore the possibility of non-narcotic answers.
Sign releases: If you have been previously diagnosed with any issues that required medication, sign releases for your current doctor to access those records. Having nothing to hide from him will go a long way in his trusting you when it comes to current medication needs.
Keep an open mind: For example, if you have anxiety, and you are a drug addict (even if your drug of choice is opiates), there is no way you will be treated with Xanax. Allow for the possibility that something other than a narcotic will help keep your panic attacks under control. Give your doctor a chance to try several medications until one of them or a combination of them works.
Ask for information: Request information about medications he does provide. For example, he writes a prescription for a sleeping aid or an anxiety medication. Ask him why he chose that medication, what it will do, and if it typically works with a drug addict. (Some medications are just too weak due to an addict’s tolerance.)
Final thoughts: Becoming informed about what is available to help you empowers you to partner with your doctor. It is a delicate balance to find the right medications while at the same time not triggering your addiction. You might be interested in:
Prescription pain relief seen as gateway to Heroin
Billy Armstrong’s Post-Rehab Interview
