Pain Drug Seeker Behaviors and Characteristics

Pain Drug Seeker Behaviors and Characteristics Addiction Drug Use Opioids Print Pain Drug Seeker Behaviors and Characteristics By Trisha Torrey facebook twitter linkedin Trisha Torrey is a patient empowerment and advocacy consultant. She has written several books about patient advocacy and how to best navigate the healthcare system. Learn about our editorial policy Trisha Torrey Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on September 27, 2017 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on December 05, 2019 More in Addiction Drug Use Opioids Cocaine Heroin Marijuana Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery Say your pain isnt controlled, has worsened, or that youre running out of your current prescription.  You know that a doctor may be hesitant to prescribe more, whether that means a higher dose, or a new, more effective drug. Youre probably aware of the many reasons doctors are reluctant,  or why they may just say no, and that there are strict  laws your doctor must follow regarding controlled substances.?? But you are in pain, your pain is real, and you need to do something to relieve it. So you make an appointment with a doctor or perhaps you decide the emergency room at your local hospital is your best bet for getting the prescription you need quickly. Dont be surprised if there are certain behaviors the doctor and his or her staff look for to determine whether you truly need a prescription to control your pain. In fact, there are common behaviors and characteristics exhibited by patients who are considered drug seekers. Behaviors of Pain Drug Seekers The following are behaviors the US Drug Enforcement Agency advises doctors to look for.?? They are commonly seen in combinations, not in isolation. A drug seeker: Will want to make the last appointment of the day, at the end of the day, or after regular office hours.May claim he or she lives elsewhere and is in town to visit a friend or relative, or is just on his or her way through town.May exhibit unusual behavior while in the waiting room.May become demanding and assertive, insisting on being seen right away, and has no patience.Will be either dirty and sloppily dressed, or very well-dressed.Will claim that his or her doctor is unavailable, or that they do not have a doctor.Will try to strong-arm the doctor, or play on the doctors sympathies.May exhibit a high level of knowledge of controlled substances.Will request a specific drug and does not want to change to a different drug.Will go from doctor to doctor, or hospital to hospital, hoping that no records have been shared that would show they have picked up pain-relieving drugs from another place. (This is becoming less commonplace as many states are developing drug tracking databases.)May pretend they are trying to relieve someone elses pain, such as a child or elderly relative or friend. Regarding healthcare status, a drug seeker: Usually, has no health insurance.Can either explain his or her medical history completely  or is very vague about medical history.Is not interested in his or her diagnosis and has no interest in further testing or referrals.Will complain that over-the-counter pain relievers dont work, or that he or she is allergic to them.May complain about multiple fake symptoms (for example, migraines, back pain, and  kidney stones).May pretend to have psychological symptoms such as depression, insomnia or anxiety.May have evidence of drug abuse, such as needle marks, scars or new lesions. Staying Safe on Your Pain Medication The abuse of prescription pain medications, especially opioids, is a very serious concern in the United States, and doctors have an ethical and legal responsibility to ensure the well-being and safety of their patients.?? This means only prescribing pain medications when medically indicated. If you require prescription pain medication, be sure to establish a formal and trusting relationship with a doctor and follow up with him regularly. This way you do not find yourself in a situation where your health needs are perceived as something they are not, like drug-seeking. Managing pain is a complex process, especially when opioids are incorporated into a persons pain regimen. This is because the potential for opioid abuse is very real. If you suspect you or a loved one is dependent or addicted to opioids, please seek help from a physician. There are doctors who are specially trained and certified in addiction medicine (called an ABAM certified physicianâ€"ABAM stands for American Board of Addiction Medicine).   A Word From Verywell Hospitalizations for opioid abuse/dependence rose by over 70% from 2002 to 2012 in the United States.?? This includes the significant rise in serious infections due to intravenous drug administration, a very dangerous complication of the opioid epidemic. While you may be frustrated in able to fill a prescription easily, controls are in place to keep medications safe for those who need them.