Discussing Dependency With Prescribing Physicians

Talking with your doctor about your past dependency can seem intimidating at first. However, as with all medical history, your past dependency is vital information to your treating physician. Past drug or alcohol dependency can affect everything from dosage and drug recommendations to side effect prevention for prescribing physicians. By opening up an honest discussion with your prescribing physician, you can act in the best interests of your physical and mental health.

Discussing Dependency With Prescribing Physicians

Contrary to popular belief, many physicians simply have not received much training emphasis in addiction treatment. Make sure that you have selected a doctor who understands the nature of addiction and believes in a cure. Secondly, choose a doctor whom you feel comfortable, honest with and open around. Begin by disclosing your past dependency, including the specific substance, usage levels and duration of dependency. Disclose the date, nature and duration of your treatment.

Questions to Ask Your Prescribing Physician

Asking questions can help you better understand the medication you are receiving and your medical alternatives. Here are a few questions you might want to ask your prescribing physician about the drugs you are given. Regardless, do not wait until the question of medication comes up to address these issues with your doctor. Open discussions early so that you can face medical challenges while simultaneously obtaining adequate care and maintaining a protective stance over your recovery.

1. Does this medication have any reasons to consider against advising it for those with past dependencies (also known as “contraindications”)?
2. What are my alternatives in dosage and type for surgical anesthetics and post-surgical painkillers? Which ones have the lowest addictive properties?
3. Are there effective herbal or alternative medicine treatments that might take the place of this medication?
4. Would you be willing to discuss a medication plan provided by my addiction specialist?
5. Can we establish a single local pharmacy for you to call in all of my prescribed medications?
6. Are there non-opioid alternatives you can recommend for pain management?
7. Can we schedule follow-up appointments to check on usage, side effects and resulting health?
8. Do you recommend tapering off this medication to avoid withdrawal?
9. Is there a maximum time period I can safely take this medication without risking dependency?
10. How frequently do people taking this medication become dependent? What traits place you at the highest risk for dependency?

Related posts:

1. How to Tell If You Have a Chemical Dependency
2. How to Broach the Subject of Family Counseling
3. Explaining Dependency to Your Children
4. Can Dependency Be Cured
5. Medical Facilities at Inpatient Recovery Programs
6. Important Questions to Ask in Talk Therapy
7. Low Self Esteem as a Root Cause for Dependency
8. Age Appropriate Conversations About Drugs
9. Signs of Denial in Chemical Dependency
10. Finding Hope After Relapse
11. Types of Denial in Dependency
12. Medical Help During Withdrawal
13. Heart Disease and Alcohol Dependency
14. Questions to Ask While Touring Inpatient Facilities
15. Healing Dependency Through Meditation
16. Physical Symptoms of Cocaine Dependency
17. Physical Signs of Alcohol Dependency
18. Achieving Homeostasis After Dependency
19. Calling Your Insurance Company About Inpatient Care
20. The Dependency – Anxiety Cycle