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- Have a frank discussion about your past with your healthcare provider
- Address your concerns openly with the doctor, don’t be afraid to ask questions
- If your physician has questions for you, answer them as honestly as possible
- Let the doctor know the very real risks of prescribing a non-narcotic medication to you
- Have a plan in place in the event taking a narcotic medication is unavoidable.
For example, if you’re undergoing surgery, there’s a strong chance you will need to be temporarily placed on painkillers. Or if you suffer from an authentic mental health condition, there’s a chance you might be placed on benzodiazepines. Discuss this situation with a sponsor and others in recovery to formulate a plan should something like this happen to you.
So take solace in the fact that physicians and the medical community are here to help, not hurt. Be honest and unafraid to speak up, and the likelihood of you leaving the doctor’s office with recovery, as opposed to with prescriptions, is very good.