Date sent:        Fri, 5 Jan 1996 17:32:08 -0800
Subject:          emed-l drug seeking behavior
From:             rkociol@ix.netcom.com

ED Staff:

As a recovering addict and frequent ED drug seeker I have had plenty
of experience with receiving narcotics and how to beat the system.
As good as my stories were, those doctors who took the time to ask 
questions and take extensive history generally uncovered the true 
nature of my visit and would confront me directly.

While I realize that most ED staff see drug seekers as an annoyance,
at best, these people are truly ill and need compassion just as any
other patient would that presenents in the ER.  The most therapeutic
approach, with the patient's best interests in mind, would be to 
confront the patient with your suspicions, coupled with treatment 
options (i.e would you be willing to admit the patient to the Psych
unit on a 3 day narcotic detox?).  For the most part, you will be met
with angry denial; However, the deep humiliation of be uncovered and
confronted with his manipulative behavior, will at some level stick
in the addicts head, helping to push him towards recovery.

As I mentioned earlier, a good ER physician could generally uncover the
nature of my visit; However, most of the doctors would immediately
prescribe my desired dosage of Demerol and get me out of their way.

If you suspect a patient of drug seeking, my suggestion would be to
confront the patient and treat him as someone with a life or death 
illness which you have the potential to intervene upon.

Any questions or comments can be emailed to me: rkociol@ix.netcom.com
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