Focus Healthcare Logo

Focus Healthcare of Tennessee

A Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center

Identifying a Problem to Prescription Opioid Pain Medication

Suboxone



Persons who are dependent upon opioid medication may engage in certain behaviors or activities. Here are some indicators that may help to identify a problem with prescription medications:

Question Yes No
Doctor shopping: going to more than one Doctor to get medication?
Pharmacy shopping: going to multiple pharmacies to get prescriptions?
Obtaining medications from friends, internet or other non-medical sources?
Using the drug compulsively?
Increasing the dosage of the medication without the Doctor’s approval?
Using multiple opioid type medications at the same time?
Having difficulty making the medication supply last until the next scheduled refill?
Obtaining drugs from illegal means?
Being “fired” from your Doctor’s office for medication mismanagement?
Demanding a specific opioid medication or preferring a specific route of use?
Craving the medication?
Continuing to take pain medication after the pain has stopped?
Using the medication for emotional issues (stress, depressed mood, anxiety)?
Using the Emergency Room frequently for physical complaints?
Unable to stop or cut down the amount of medication being used?
Feeling guilty about your use or feeling annoyed when others comment on your drug use?
Spending considerable time related to getting and using the medication?
Continuing to use in spite of negative consequences?

If you answered yes to any of the above indicators, this could indicate a potential problem with opioid medications. Discuss your concerns with your physician or schedule an assessment with a Focus Healthcare Professional.