Five Things You Should Tell Your Doctor About Your Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse can be devastating, but many women seek treatment and go on to live happy, healthy and productive lives after substance abuse. While life after substance abuse has its own challenges, taking care of your health can be one of the most important. Many women leave treatment dedicated to improving their quality of life, their lifestyle and their overall wellness. A keystone to this plan is taking care of your health, both emotional and physical. While it may be difficult to talk to someone outside of your treatment support network about your history with prescription drug abuse, it is crucial for your overall health and well-being that you are open and honest with your doctor.

Talking To Your Doctor About Prescription Drug Abuse
For some women, their primary care doctor may have been the first healthcare professional they spoke to about their problem with prescription drug abuse. For others, they may have never mentioned addiction or substance abuse to a primary care physician, instead choosing to direct enroll in a treatment program or speak to a behavioral health specialist. Whichever category you fall into, plan to have a discussion with your primary care doctor about your drug rehab treatment at your next visit. You may find advice and support from those in your group therapy sessions or from your counselor before you visit, but they key is to state the facts and be honest. Hiding the extent, frequency or downplaying the impact of your abuse can put you at risk for misdiagnosis or missed symptoms later in your life.

Things You Should Plan To Discuss:

• Which substances you used, the frequency of use and the timeframe of use
• Any physical ailments or diagnosis you had during the time you were suffering for prescription drug abuser
• Your treatment program, your outlook on treatment and your relapse prevention strategies
• Your emotional well-being and any challenges you are facing in your recovery
• Your feelings towards pain management in the future - be open about your fears and your expectations with your doctor

You may find that your doctor has additional questions about your prescription drug abuse. He or she may ask to contact your rehab counselor or ask questions about your meetings. Feel free to be open with your doctor, he or she is only trying to help you maintain your positive lifestyle changes. If you feel that your doctor is not interesting in your history of substance abuse, or does not give it the significance you deserve, find another healthcare professional. Remember that your long-term health is your responsibility, you must take responsibility for your treatment and your care. Don't let anyone brush aside the achievements you have made- prescription drug abuse is a serious illness that you have worked or are working hard to overcome.

If you or a woman you love is having behavioral health problems, especially with substance abuse or prescription drug abuse, she may benefit from a drug abuse program that also offers depression treatment. Remember that recovery from addiction and alcohol abuse treatment means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support.