Prescription drug abuse

The Mayo Clinic Diet Book, learn more

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

Your primary care doctor may be able to help you overcome a prescription drug abuse problem. However, if you have an addiction, your doctor may refer you to an addiction specialist or to a facility that specializes in helping people withdraw from drugs.

What you can do
To prepare for your appointment, make lists of:

  • All the medications you're taking, including the dose and how often you take each one, as well as over-the-counter medications, herbs and supplements
  • Any symptoms you may be experiencing
  • Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes
  • Questions to ask your doctor

Questions to ask your doctor may include:

  • What are my treatment options?
  • How long does it take for treatment to work?
  • Should I see a specialist?
  • How can we manage my other health conditions during treatment?
  • Do you have any brochures or other printed material I could have? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may ask these questions:

  • How long have you had this problem?
  • What, if anything, prompted it?
  • How severe are your symptoms?
  • Do you have a past history of drug abuse or addiction?
  • Has anyone in your family had a history of drug abuse or addiction?
References
  1. Parran TV. Prescription drug abuse and addiction: Clinical features, epidemiology, and contributing factors. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Aug. 23, 2012.
  2. NIDA DrugFacts: Prescription and over-the-counter medications. National Institute on Drug Abuse. http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/PainMed.html. Accessed Aug. 23, 2012.
  3. Epidemic: Responding to America's prescription drug abuse crisis. Office of National Drug Control Policy. http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/prescrptn_drgs/rx_ff.html. Accessed Aug. 23, 2012.
  4. Commonly abused prescription drugs. Office of National Drug Control Policy. http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/PrescripDrugsChart.html. Accessed Aug. 23, 2012.
  5. Prescription drugs: Abuse and addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse. http://www.drugabuse.gov/researchreports/prescription/prescription6.html. Accessed Aug. 23, 2012.
  6. Gunter WD, et al. Desisting from prescription drug abuse: An application of growth models to Rx opioid users. Journal of Drug Issues. 2012;42:82.
  7. Prescription drug abuse. The Nemours Foundation. http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/drugs/prescription_drug_abuse.html. Accessed Aug. 24, 2012.
  8. Colson J, et al. Office-based opioid dependence treatment. Pain Physician. 2012;15:ES231.
  9. Disposal of unused medicines: What you should know. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/EnsuringSafeUseofMedicine/SafeDisposalofMedicines/ucm186187.htm#MEDICINES. Accessed Sept. 27, 2012.
  10. Koechl B, et al. Age-related aspects of addiction. Gerontology. In press. Accessed Aug. 24, 2012.
  11. Sehgal N, et al. Prescription opioid abuse in chronic pain: A review of opioid abuse predictors and strategies to curb opioid abuse. Pain Physician. 2012;15:ES67.
  12. Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 5, 2012.
  13. Schneekloth TD (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 19, 2012.
  14. Intervention — Tips and guidelines. National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. http://www.ncadd.org/index.php/for-friends-and-family/intervention. Accessed Sept. 28, 2012.
DS01079 Oct. 11, 2012

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print
  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger