Prescription drug abuse

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Preparing for your appointment

Your primary care provider may be able to help you overcome prescription drug abuse. But if you have an addiction, your provider may refer you to an addiction specialist or to a facility that specializes in helping people withdraw from drugs.

What you can do

To prepare for your appointment, make a list of:

  • All the medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs and supplements, as well as the dose and frequency
  • Any symptoms you're experiencing
  • Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes
  • Questions to ask your doctor

Questions to ask your doctor may include:

  • What are my treatment options?
  • How long does it take for treatment to work?
  • Should I see a specialist?
  • How can we manage my other health conditions during treatment?
  • Do you have any brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider may ask these questions:

  • What prescription medicines do you take? How much and how often do you take them?
  • How long have you had this problem?
  • What, if anything, prompted it?
  • How severe are your symptoms?
  • Do you have a past history of drug abuse or addiction?
  • Do you use recreational or illegal drugs? Do you smoke?
  • Has anyone in your family had a history of drug abuse or addiction?

Be ready to answer these questions so that you can focus on points you want to spend more time on. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time with the health care provider.

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Diagnosis & treatment
Oct. 25, 2022
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  7. Drug facts: Prescription drugs. National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens. https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/prescription-drugs. Accessed April 13, 2021.
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  9. Becker WC, et al. Prescription drug misuse: Epidemiology, prevention, identification, and management. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 3, 2022.
  10. Voelker R. News from the Food and Drug Administration: Monthly buprenorphine injection approved for opioid use disorder. JAMA. 2018; doi:10.1001/jama.2017.20647.
  11. Sevarino K. Medically supervised opioid withdrawal during treatment for addiction. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 3, 2022.
  12. Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. April 19, 2021.
  13. Intervention — Tips and guidelines. National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. https://www.ncadd.org/family-friends/there-is-help/intervention-tips-and-guidelines. 2018.
  14. How to buy medicines safely from an online pharmacy. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/how-buy-medicines-safely-online-pharmacy. Accessed Oct. 3, 2022.

Prescription drug abuse