SupportNet.ca - Resources for Your Recovery

My doctor’s office is my most slippery place. What can I do?
Prescription drug abuse is a huge problem these days - opiate, benzodiazepine and other sleeping pills. Some doctors are very astute about the risks of addiction. Others are not - and as always - you have the final responsibility for your recovery.

Make certain that your doctor is aware - and is reminded of your addiction risk. Do the same with your pharmacy.

Write a letter instructing your doctor to not prescribe drugs of risk to you. Give the letter to your doctor - and ask them to place it on your file.

Take your partner - or a recovery support to your appointments.

If you know that your doctor will prescribe whatever you may ask for - consider if you are best to change to another doctor. Do whatever is necessary to protect your recovery.

Discuss this SupportNet topic now . . .

I had six years in recovery from cocaine and opiates. During most of this time - I had an open offer from my doctor for an oxy script - for fibromyalgia. One day I was in his office - feeling low - and frustrated with how my life was going. He said that he could help with my pain - if I would let him - and that he would control my prescription - so that I wouldn’t get addicted.

Two days after I left his office with that prescription - my one month supply of pills was gone - and I was on the phone calling my old contacts. That low day in the wrong place cost me another three years out there.

Elaine - Brantford, Ontario