Just Because It’s Prescribed By a Doctor Doesn’t Mean It’s Okay

You may be surprised to learn that most substance use cases managed by the Nebraska Licensee Assistance Program (NE LAP) involve the misuse or overuse of prescription medications—not illegal substances.

It’s common to hear statements such as, “My doctor prescribed it to me,” or “I was just following my doctor’s orders,” when discussing the use of pain medications or sedatives like Xanax or Ativan. While it’s important to trust your doctor, only you truly know how your body is responding.

If you find that you need to take more medication than before to achieve the same effect, your tolerance may be increasing. Combining medications, taking them longer than prescribed, or using them for reasons other than intended may indicate misuse—and can lead to a substance use disorder.

You Don’t Set Out to Become Addicted

Accidents, injuries, and surgeries are common reasons pain medications are prescribed. However, many of these medications are controlled substances that carry significant risks. Common warnings include “may cause drowsiness or decreased alertness” and “tolerance and dependence may develop with use.”

What may begin as appropriate and temporary use can, over time, become a serious and unexpected addiction. When this occurs, healthcare professionals may begin taking medications from family and friends, writing false prescriptions under other names, or diverting controlled substances from work. Such actions can result in loss of trust, job termination, legal charges, and disciplinary action against one’s professional license.

If you’re concerned about your use, do not stop taking it abruptly. Always consult your prescribing provider first—some medications must be safely tapered under medical supervision.

Seeking Help

All medications should be taken exactly as prescribed. Sharing or using another person’s medication is not only unethical but also illegal. If you have already begun taking medication inappropriately, seek help immediately before harm occurs to you or your patients. The NE LAP can help!

If you or someone you know is a licensed health care professional experiencing a substance use disorder, please reach out to the NE LAP at (800) 851-2336 or (402) 354-8055 to begin the recovery process.

Michelle Hruska, LIMHP, LADC

NE LAP Coordinator

Nebraska Licensee Assistance Program

9239 West Center Road, Suite 201

Omaha, NE 68124-1900

lapne@bestcareeap.org