It is so interesting to see this raised again. Especially as I started the thread. My respect to the mods for not shutting it down as I think it is a very relevant discussion considering the overriding notion by many that anything prescribed is safe. I'm not saying that people are stupid, but it is very easy to lull yourself into a false sense of security when it comes to pharmaceuticals.
First I would suggest that at the end of the day big brother is watching to a certain extent but my experiences, especially when it comes to specialists is that there is ALOT of leeway.
For example I am prescribed dexampetamine for ADD and the same guy also happily provides me a regular high dose repeat script for xanax. I don't suffer from anxiety, I just asked for it.
I have a GP who apart from being an excellent doctor I have built a relationship of trust with and was more than happy to also give me a large repeat script for flunitrazepam a.k.a. rohypnol although it is now marketed under the name hypnodorm because rohypnol is a dirty word. Once again it was because of difficultly sleeping, but remember that I'm also prescribed the xanax - so clearly big brother is not watching that hard.
I have also obtained others more exotic pharms such as mood stabilizers and antipsychotics in case any of my drug experimentation went pear shaped. I've even obtained things such as selegiline hydrochride (L-Dep) in an attempt to self treat my add (its a MOAI-B). I would have thought that there was a possibility that somewhere along the line some of this might get noticed; You'd think that anyone prescribed an antipsychotic, dexamphetamine and a large amount of benzo's all on the PBS would get flagged...perhaps even cut off.
So far as I know this has not been the case. In fact the amount of benzo's alone that I have access to is way past a Dr's ability to monitor my use to prevent any problems.
What is my point? Personally my experience is one of 'Dr Shopping' and also requiring certain drugs for legitimate medical reasons. At the end of the day it all comes back to you as an individual to be informed, and understand the potential consequence of your actions. To be blunt you could really fuck yourself up.
Unlike 'illegal' drugs pharms are something that in my opinion are much easier to incorporate and justify as part of your everyday life. This is where the danger lies. And there is no way that I am interested in taking any of these drugs on a daily basis. Great bandaid solutions, but a minefield of potential long term problems!
As a parting thought for anyone considering Dr shopping I would suggest taking a moment to consider the medical professionals that you are involving and the position that you might put them in.
