Have you ever heard of the phrase “doubling doctoring” before? Unless you have known a drug addict or abuser or have actually suffered from this illness before, the chances are slim that you have. Simply put, “doubling doctoring” (also called “doctor shopping”) is a common phenomenon that takes place when patients seek out multiple doctors to receive larger quantities of medications (more than the normal amount prescribed by one physician). In this case, some people will complete this action to get more of the same drug or obtain multiple types of drugs. Besides being an obvious problem for patients (who are suffering from drug abuse or addiction in certain cases), the issue of “doubling doctoring” can put the physician’s legitimacy at risk. Let’s take a closer look at this unfortunately common situation and find out some more information.
Establishing Distrust between Doctors and Patients
Ultimately, you cannot blame doctors for eventually creating a mistrust of patients. As a result of this problem with dishonesty, some innocent patients may receive smaller quantities of lifesaving medications like opioid painkillers or tranquilizers (at least less than the safe amount). Likewise, some patients may feel like their doctors do not trust them or may feel guilty about using their drugs.
So, why do patients engage in “double doctoring”? Here are some common reasons:
- Patients may want to obtain larger quantities of addictive drugs like opioid painkillers (OxyContin, Percocet, or Vicodin).
- Patients are seeking more medication to feed their painkiller addiction or abuse.
- Some patients might sell these drugs to obtain more money to buy illegal drugs.
- Patients may mix the medications with other, more dangerous drugs.
The Risks of Cracking Down on This Issue
Obviously, you would think that this would lead to a nationwide crackdown on “double doctoring,” right? As strange as this may sound, though, research has shown that legal intervention has actually fed heroin problems that are sweeping across the country. Over the course of 11 years, the use of this dangerous, illegal painkiller has skyrocketed by 63%. Now that opioids are harder to get, patients are starting to turn to this deadly alternative. So, this begs the question: should we intervene on this front or leave it to the doctors?
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse or Addiction
Drug abuse and addiction are very real and very dangerous aspects of our society and should not be taken lightly. Opioid painkillers may be essential sources of relief for patients suffering from chronic pain or recovering from surgery, but you have to remember that these substances can still trigger forms of abuse and addiction. Approach opioids with caution. Are you suffering from a case of drug abuse or addiction? Do you have a friend who is also coping with this severe health scare? In both cases, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the rehabilitation process and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle.
If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to put a stop to your drug problems today.
