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Just Because It’s Prescribed by a Doctor Doesn’t Mean Substance Misuse Is OK
You may be surprised to learn that the majority of the Nebraska Licensee Assistance Program (NE LAP) substance use cases aren’t related to the use of illegal substances. Rather, they involve the misuse or overuse of prescription medications.
During a substance use assessment, we often hear, “My doctor prescribed it to me,” or, “I was just following my doctor’s orders,” when people describe using prescription pain medication or sedatives such as Xanax and Ativan. While it’s important to trust your doctor, only you know what’s going on with you. If you notice that you need to take more medication to reduce pain, it’s possible that your tolerance has increased. If you’re adding in other prescribed medications or using medications for a longer period of time than they were intended or for reasons other than prescribed, you may be misusing or overusing the medication and facing a possible addiction.
You Don’t Set Out to Become Addicted
Accidents, injuries and surgeries are common reasons why pain medications are prescribed. Most prescription pain medications are controlled substances and carry risks that are explained in the information packet provided by the pharmacy. Risks may include causing you to become drowsy or less alert, and that a tolerance and dependence can develop with use. Eventually, appropriate and temporary use of pain medications may become a serious, problematic and unexpected addiction. If you feel something isn’t right and/or are concerned about your use, don’t just stop taking your medication. Check with your doctor because some medications need to be tapered off in order to safely discontinue their use.
Seeking Help
Remember: All medications should be taken as prescribed, and sharing or taking someone else’s medication is unethical and illegal.
If you or someone you know is a licensed healthcare professional and 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.
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