Question

We have been discussing drugs and how they are categorized into Schedules. Although they have a high risk potential for abuse, Schedule II drugs do have legitimate medical use. It is important as the Medical Assistant to be aware of any signs of abuse when it comes to prescribing medications. What are some drug seeking behaviors to watch for?

Answer 1

• Claiming they need more drugs to replace a lost or stolen prescription this may be due toEscalated use of a controlled prescription,Increasing the dose without doctors approval,Using a prescribed medication to self-medicate for another condition
• Misrepresenting their symptoms

• Insisting on only one particular pain/controlled medication

• Frequent visits to multiple doctors, including a willingness to travel to a different city or state to see a new physician – a phenomenon called “doctor shopping”
• Unwillingness or inability to provide a complete health history or contact information for previous physicianss

• Reporting symptoms that could be signs of withdrawal

• Forging prescriptions