Drug Methadone

Question by bluelotus314: What is the best way to confront a friends doctor whom is prescribing medication to an addict?
A close friend of ours has been taking opiates for several years. He is currently 28 but has been prescribed codeine for pain regularly as a teenager and was prescribed Oxycontin for a head injury about 3 years ago. He was taking up to 10 80mg Oxy per day. 6 months ago he started methadone treatment in an attempt to ween himself off and is now taking Suboxone 4 times a day and Quanapin prescribed by his pain doctor. He has seen the same pain doctor since he was a teenager and he also sees a psychologist whom prescribes him a second prescription for Quanapin (we doubt he knows about the other doctor prescribing him). He has a noticeable addiction problem with alcohol and recreational drugs as well. We are trying to get him help.

Is it advisable to try contacting his personal psychologist to inform them of his severe problem with opiates and alcohol? We have tried confronting him about his addiction and he continues to deny that he has a problem with alcohol and that he is an “addict”. He has denied that he needs help with a treatment and detox, so we’re now at the point that we want to contact BOTH doctors to inform them of his problem. Is this something that is common by outsiders contacting a personal physician in attempt to help with an issue? Is there anyone that has dealt with this same issue or may be psychologist that has encountered a patient in a similar situation?

Thanks.
* In response to the answer below:
I do not go to NA – I have had friends and family that have had addiction problems so I know what to look for and I am very observant. I’d like to work in the field of psychology someday as well.

He WAS prescribed the medication for pain. But not he says he is no longer in pain (he was prescribed the medication for accidental injury) He has made “progress” with admitting that he was addicted and had a tolerance for the opiates and has began methadone – and now – suboxone treatment, although he has started replacing the opiate addiction with other drugs and alcohol. (ecstasy, ketamine, cocaine, etc).

He is prescribed suboxone by his pain specialist and not his psychologist whom may not know about his mental state. There’s a history of childhood abuse, so we’ve made an appointment with his psychologist to try to talk to him about our concerns. Hopefully this works for the best.

Best answer:

Answer by LYNN W
It is best if you contact the psychologist office and let them know that you need to set up an appt with the dr and you will be coming without the patient. (Be prepared to pay) You need to let him know all that you know and he will contact the other doctors you inform him of and verify the information. He can also contact the pharmacies in the area and let them know that he can only fill certain prescriptions. You just might save this friend’s life. Good Luck!

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