Doctor shopping is the practice of going to more than one doctor to get a prescription medication. This type of behavior is common for those suffering from opioid abuse because a single prescription may not be enough to meet each one of your needs. As a progressive condition, opiate abuse may continue to pressure you into getting access to more of these drugs. At Bayview Recovery, we can help you overcome these challenges. To learn about your treatment options, contact our team today at 855.478.3650.

Why Does Doctor Shopping Happen?

Some people develop an opioid addiction after using a prescription their doctor provided to them. Over time, the body and brain become used to the drugs. To get the same high feeling, it becomes necessary to take more of those drugs. However, these medications are very carefully monitored, and prescriptions are not refilled early because of the threat of opiate abuse. Often desperate to find access to these drugs, a person then turns to another doctor or looks for alternatives to finding the substances they feel they need.

Doctor shopping is a sign of addiction and dependence. There are other signs of this as well, such as:

• Using a prescription that is not yours
• Turning to different types of opioids
• Becoming agitated or feeling significant pain when you run out of medication
• Thinking about when your next dose is
• Wanting to stop using but being unable to do so

If you are engaging in doctor shopping or thought about it, it’s also critical to understand the risks that come with it and opiate abuse.

What Are the Dangers of Opioid Abuse?

Doctor shopping occurs when a person has an addiction. That means opioid abuse has worsened, and their body is not dependent on the drugs to function. When you stop using them, you feel pain and intense cravings. Even as your body is working to convince you to use more of those drugs, there are real dangers in doing so.

Opiate abuse can lead to overdose. This condition occurs when the toxins from these drugs overwhelm your body. Your organs begin to fail. Breathing and heart rates slow to dangerous levels. Overdose is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Even if an overdose does not occur, a person who is doctor shopping is likely to be taxing their body with too much of these drugs. That can lead to a range of complications, including:

• Cognitive decline
• Memory problems
• Organ failure
• Diseases of the kidneys and liver

It does not take long for these complications to arise.

The only way to prevent this from occurring is to follow your doctor’s prescription. If you begin to feel like you need to use drugs at a higher dose, speak to your prescribing doctor about it. He or she may offer other recommendations.

What to Do if You Have Opiate Abuse

What if you already know you are struggling with opiate abuse? You know you cannot stop using, and you feel like you need more of the drugs than ever before. That’s when it’s time to turn to our team at Bayview Recovery for help. Learn more about your addiction and how to overcome it when you embrace any of our treatment programs. Our treatment options include:

• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program
• Outpatient treatment program
• Extended care treatment program
• Dual diagnosis treatment

Overcome Your Challenges by Calling Bayview Recovery Now

Doctor shopping is a clear sign that you need help with opiate abuse. You do not have to live your life controlled by these drugs. If you are struggling with opioid abuse, take the time to call Bayview Recovery today. Our team of professionals and compassionate counselors are here to help you. Reach out to us online or call us at 855.478.3650 for an appointment. You can overcome your addiction with our help.