Are doctors with or against helping people continue their drug use?

[Hugs For Drugs]

if i go visit a doctor and tell her i possibly built up a scar tissue on my upper nasal cavity, preventing absorption of meth, and if theres something she can do to fix it

idk if shell be like "oh well your doing a drug, and there for i cant help you"

or if she will?

has anyone tried this let me know

 

[Snafu in the Void]

It really depends on the doctor. Most I've had will not refuse you - they actually can't at first, at least in the US.

However on my 2nd visit with my last doc when my liver was failing he straight up told me "I will not treat you if you do not stop your drug/alcohol use, I will not be your doctor." This was after I was open about my entire history of heroin/meth/coke abuse, how I'm lucky to be alive... all that. He knew that I knew how serious it is, so it's not like he was scolding me. More like he just didn't want to deal with an addict.

So fuck him?! I just found a new doc. Most are not like that. It's really up to them.

He was a young guy for a doc, too. I find the older ones are generally nicer... idk why, seems like they have more compassion.

I say just don't lie to your doc no matter what. That's only going to hurt yourself. They aren't stupid and will know why you have scars all along your nasal cavity.

 

[Jabberwocky]

I visit a specialist (and free) addicts medial centre for any health problems associated with drug use. For example, I’m a bit worried about some veins that have just turned into hard lumpy ropes. Same for some bronchitis/emphysema I think is injecting related. I wouldn’t discuss these things with my GP. In fact, I wouldn’t even discuss my desire to quit illicit drugs with my my GP lest it impact his willingness to prescribe drugs of addiction that I still might want from him from time to time.

 

[Snafu in the Void]

I visit a specialist (and free) addicts medial centre for any health problems associated with drug use

Great idea. They do have some in the US, I think just major cities, though.

For example, I’m a bit worried about some veins that have just turned into hard lumpy ropes. Same for some bronchitis/emphysema I think is injecting related. I wouldn’t discuss these things with my GP. In fact, I wouldn’t even discuss my desire to quit illicit drugs with my my GP lest it impact his willingness to prescribe drugs of addiction that I still might want from him from time to time.

Always a good idea to have multiple docs, multiple diagnoses... options

For some reason I found the doc who gave me the most good stuff (benzos/amphetamines/zdrugs) was the one I was most open to about my drug use history. Even after diagnosing me with drug induced schizophrenia he was giving me drugs, specifically the amphetamines which definitely were not helping my condition.... He was also kind of a weird guy, though. We'd be talking about my mental health then he would randomly go on these crazy tangents about UFOs, UFO conferences, Bigfoot.... shit like that. Then it's like he realized he was talking to someone he diagnosed as schizo to about a bunch of conspiracy type shit, so he stopped. I miss that guy, but also glad I don't have to go to a shrink anymore (don't lose your mind people! the most important part of your body).

 

[Jabberwocky]

For some reason I found the doc who gave me the most good stuff (benzos/amphetamines/zdrugs) was the one I was most open to about my drug use history. Even after diagnosing me with drug induced schizophrenia he was giving me drugs, specifically the amphetamines which definitely were not helping my condition.... He was also kind of a weird guy, though. We'd be talking about my mental health then he would randomly go on these crazy tangents about UFOs, UFO conferences, Bigfoot.... shit like that. Then it's like he realized he was talking to someone he diagnosed as schizo to about a bunch of conspiracy type shit, so he stopped. I miss that guy, but also glad I don't have to go to a shrink anymore (don't lose your mind people! the most important part of your body).

My psychiatrist is a bit like that. Loves talking random shit for first half of the consult and then writes scripts for mostly what I want in the second half. He initiated my dexamfetamine when I was only 1 month clean from a six month IV coke binge (the first time) and then when I was only one month clean from a six month IV meth binge. His argument was that DSM-V indicates substance abuse a symptom of ADD. He only made me to one month drug test once before prescribing. As I’ve said before, I honestly believe he would prescribe Dexedrine for a broken leg, he is such a true believer in its power.

However, I’m unsure how he would react to my having an active addiction to meth/coke - he might be legally bound to cut me off from the dex then. So I don’t tell him about it, which is a problem when i want Wellbutrin to fight cravings but need good advice of its potential contraindications with everythIng else I am taking. Only a psych would know that. Or maybe random people on BL!

 

[Snafu in the Void]

My psychiatrist is a bit like that. Loves talking random shit for first half of the consult and then writes scripts for mostly what I want in the second half. He initiated my dexamfetamine when I was only 1 month clean from a six month IV coke binge (the first time) and then when I was only one month clean from a six month IV meth binge. His argument was that DSM-V indicates substance abuse a symptom of ADD. He only made me to one month drug test once before prescribing. As I’ve said before, I honestly believe he would prescribe Dexedrine for a broken leg, he is such a true believer in its power.

However, I’m unsure how he would react to my having an active addiction to meth/coke - he might be legally bound to cut me off from the dex then. So I don’t tell him about it, which is a problem when i want Wellbutrin to fight cravings but need good advice of its potential contraindications with everythIng else I am taking. Only a psych would know that. Or maybe random people on BL!

Yeah an active hard drug use is probably not the thing to say. I think I mentioned I drank too much and smoked weed.... and all the psychedelics. He seemed surprised that I knew how to extract DMT and grow mushrooms, and was interested. I'm guessing because of his alien obsession, IDK. I did tell him I did heroin/coke/meth, rehab, jail, etc... in the past, so he definitely knew about that.

Dude probably prescribed me like 15+ different things. librium, valium, klonopin, adderall, this weird 50/50% racemic amphetamine mix called evekeo or something, and some good sleeping pills.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Yeah an active hard drug use is probably not the thing to say. I think I mentioned I drank too much and smoked weed.... and all the psychedelics. He seemed surprised that I knew how to extract DMT and grow mushrooms, and was interested. I'm guessing because of his alien obsession, IDK. I did tell him I did heroin/coke/meth, rehab, jail, etc... in the past, so he definitely knew about that.

Dude probably prescribed me like 15+ different things. librium, valium, klonopin, adderall, this weird 50/50% racemic amphetamine mix called evekeo or something, and some good sleeping pills.

I actually get a few PM’s here from people in AUstralia wanting to know his contact details every time I mention him. So he must be pretty special compared to his less helpful peers. He might have been the 6th or 7th psych I saw when I first went insane. The rest were quite judgemental and a bit too big on long term heavy duty anti-psychotics as cure all.

 

[Snafu in the Void]

I actually get a few PM’s here from people in AUstralia wanting to know his contact details every time I mention him. So he must be pretty special compared to his less helpful peers. He might have been the 6th or 7th psych I saw when I first went insane. The rest were quite judgemental and a bit too big on long term heavy duty anti-psychotics as cure all.

LOL maybe it's the weird/special ones that are the good ones. I think most just take their books too seriously and seem to constantly have medical books shoved up their ass.

I remember the look on this guys face when I told him I did a shit load of DMT. His eyes perked up like I'd never seen before.... like he was interested.... then he go all into his alien rants... connection maybe?

oh he was also a licensed neurologist... if that means anything, he was a bit more accomplished than you're average shrink... pricey, though... but worth it

 

[Hugs For Drugs]

It really depends on the doctor. Most I've had will not refuse you - they actually can't at first, at least in the US.

However on my 2nd visit with my last doc when my liver was failing he straight up told me "I will not treat you if you do not stop your drug/alcohol use, I will not be your doctor." This was after I was open about my entire history of heroin/meth/coke abuse, how I'm lucky to be alive... all that. He knew that I knew how serious it is, so it's not like he was scolding me. More like he just didn't want to deal with an addict.

So fuck him?! I just found a new doc. Most are not like that. It's really up to them.

He was a young guy for a doc, too. I find the older ones are generally nicer... idk why, seems like they have more compassion.

I say just don't lie to your doc no matter what. That's only going to hurt yourself. They aren't stupid and will know why you have scars all along your nasal cavity.

Im in the u.s.

and also

can future employers see this on your file?

i dont wanna come clean and tell everything to the doctor, and then in the future apply for a job, and not get hired because they can see everything i visited the doctor for and there by decreasing my chances in getting a job?

thats my last concern

 

[Snafu in the Void]

Im in the u.s.

and also

can future employers see this on your file?

i dont wanna come clean and tell everything to the doctor, and then in the future apply for a job, and not get hired because they can see everything i visited the doctor for and there by decreasing my chances in getting a job?

thats my last concern

I'm 99.9% certain no matter where you go for healthcare it is private, unless, of course you threaten to kill yourself or someone else....

 

[Jabberwocky]

Im in the u.s.

and also

can future employers see this on your file?

i dont wanna come clean and tell everything to the doctor, and then in the future apply for a job, and not get hired because they can see everything i visited the doctor for and there by decreasing my chances in getting a job?

thats my last concern

You can always ask about their confidentiality policies before using their services.

 

[Deru]

if i go visit a doctor and tell her i possibly built up a scar tissue on my upper nasal cavity, preventing absorption of meth, and if theres something she can do to fix it

idk if shell be like "oh well your doing a drug, and there for i cant help you"

or if she will?

has anyone tried this let me know

The good news is that it's next to impossible that any type of scarring would cover the insane surface area of nasal and oral mucosa, so the doctor appointment would be unnecessary to begin with.

Beyond that, the doctor will likely tell you what I just told you, mention that you shouldn't continue to use meth, and then place a note in your file for methamphetamine addiction.

The one slight caveat here, is that although no scar you describe could prevent drugs from passing through the nasal mucosa, is if some type of infection developed - that would potentially require a doctor visit.

 

[Joey]

I have been told by y cardiologist Ill have a hard time finding a surgeon to do my heart valve replacement Ill need down the road if Im still an active addict. I also took 6 months to find a family doctor once due to being profiled for mental health and addictions. They can and do judge your worthiness personally regarding treatments. Maybe not all, but a lot.

 

[Deru]

I have been told by y cardiologist Ill have a hard time finding a surgeon to do my heart valve replacement

They always try to scare you with that nonsense. I'm on valve #3 and still haven't had a surgeon turn me away to die. After valve #3 or #4, due to physical limitations due to scar tissue, is when surgeons will start declining. If you're a really bad addict with a terrible history, if it's tricuspid valve (most likely valve for intravenous use because it's first valve the bacteria hits), they'll do one surgery and cut it out and leave you with no valve - that's the truly scary concern.

 

[Snafu in the Void]

Wellbutrin is available on the PBS - It is called Zyban. The only indication is to quit smoking cigs - so you could try that avenue.

Interestingly it seems to be a tradeable item on the street so to say......as in Diaz, loraz, nitraz, oxaz. The meth crowd covet it and trade it off for benzos.

I've heard of peopling abusing it to get high. No thanks. I don't fuck around with shit like that anymore. I don't fuck around with my brain... unless I take 600ug of LSD and smoke DMT on the peak which I am planning on doing next week....

whatever to each his own

 

[Jabberwocky]

The meth crowd covet it and trade it off for benzos.

Are you saying tweakers will trade benzos to get Wellbutrin? That’s a good sign it must work for cravings I guess.

 

[Rebelgal54]

can future employers see this on your file?

i dont wanna come clean and tell everything to the doctor, and then in the future apply for a job, and not get hired because they can see everything i visited the doctor for and there by decreasing my chances in getting a job?

In the US, confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse in patient records is protected by federal law under 42 U.S.C. Part 2.

And the American Disabilities Act now prohibits employers from discriminating against an otherwise qualified person for having a substance use disorder.

 

[Snafu in the Void]

In the US, confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse in patient records is protected by federal law under 42 U.S.C. Part 2.

And the American Disabilities Act now prohibits employers from discriminating against an otherwise qualified person for having a substance use disorder.

Makes me question a former boss who basically threatened to fire me because my performance was lacking after starting a heavy round of anti-psychotics. I tried to explain to him I wasn't on any illegal drugs, but he stated I can't be coming to work falling asleep on ANY drug be it prescribed or not (I got caught dozing off 2-3 times...). Oh well just quit and was able to leave gracefully.

 

[Deru]

Makes me question a former boss who basically threatened to fire me because my performance was lacking after starting a heavy round of anti-psychotics

It doesn't protect anyone in that manner. The manual states:

"Persons addicted to drugs, but who are no longer using drugs illegally and are receiving treatment for drug addiction or who have been rehabilitated successfully, are protected by the ADA from discrimination on the basis of past drug addiction."

 

[Snafu in the Void]

Will that occur in your new Dream Job? Any updates??

Lol don't want to talk about it. Probably prelim positive which is why it's taking so long. Took 2 home tests and clearly failed both benzo and THC. Whatever. I'll get a better job anyways. Not having consistent employment with benefits really sucks after almost a year now.