Concern Over My Dad's Prescription Patterns
63-YEAR-OLD MALE This is my fourth attempt at sharing this, as my previous posts were removed due to improper formatting. I’ll be straightforward with my concern. Are healthcare practitioners really trained to detect addiction tendencies? My father has developed a dependency on Percocet. His physician continues to authorize refill after refill. At appointments, before the doctor is even fully in the room, he’s already inquiring about a refill, and he makes sure to remind them again at the session’s conclusion. The moment he returns home, he immediately checks in with the pharmacy to see whether his medication is ready, and subsequently, he will repeatedly call for updates every hour. Once he’s out of medication, he relentlessly contacts his physician until he either secures an appointment for a new prescription or has one sent directly to the pharmacy. To me, these behaviors are significant indicators of an issue, yet he is still receiving refills. Recently, they have even started including Narcan with his prescriptions, prompting me to wonder if they are aware of his addiction. In stark contrast, my mother had surgery recently and had to fervently plead with her doctor for pain relief, ultimately receiving only a limited supply—almost like a handful—but my father seems to obtain prescriptions as though they are merely vitamins. We’ve attempted to discuss his situation with him, but he remains uninterested in hearing us out. It seems to me that the only way to help him break free from this cycle is for the doctor to cease his prescriptions altogether.
Answers (1)
8/11/2025, 8:31:20 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your father's reliance on Percocet, especially considering the patterns you've observed. Addiction can develop around prescription medications, and it's important to recognize these signs and address them appropriately.
Main Points:
- Your father's behavior may indicate a problematic dependency on Percocet.
- There may be ineffective oversight on the part of his healthcare provider.
- It's crucial to strategize on how to approach this situation, as direct discussions have not been effective.
Explanation: Depending on opioids like Percocet can happen, and healthcare professionals are trained to identify signs of misuse. However, not all practitioners may recognize these patterns or prioritize intervention until serious consequences arise. The fact that Narcan is being prescribed suggests that his physician acknowledges a risk of overdose, which could indicate they are aware of the potential for dependency but may not be taking sufficient action to address it.
Your father's repeated requests for refills and urgency in securing them are concerning and suggest a dependency that goes beyond typical use for pain management. It’s also disheartening to hear of the disparity in how your mother and father are treated, highlighting a potential inconsistency in pain management practices.
Next Steps:
-
Document Observations: Start keeping a detailed log of your father's behavior regarding his medication—how often he asks for refills, any mood changes, or reactions related to his medication use. This could be beneficial if you decide to involve his healthcare provider.
-
Encourage Professional Help: If you feel comfortable, consider involving a trusted family member or close friend who might have more success in discussing these concerns with your father. Sometimes hearing it from someone else can make a difference.
-
Engage a Professional: If change doesn’t happen and you feel it’s necessary, consider speaking with a professional yourself. You could consult with a substance use counselor or addiction specialist to discuss your father’s situation. They may provide guidance on how to approach the healthcare provider or even how to support your father if he wishes to seek help.
-
Initiate a Conversation with His Doctor: If there's no improvement and you feel it’s safe to do so, consider reaching out to his physician or asking for a family meeting to discuss these concerns. Express your observations without placing blame, focusing instead on wanting the best for your father’s health.
It's a delicate situation, but your concern shows how much you care about his well-being. It's essential to approach this empathetically and seek the right support while prioritizing your father's health and safety.
Related Questions
Increasing Pain in the Sternal Area
A 26-year-old female, standing 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds, is seeking insights into her health condition. **Current Medications:** birth control and Allegra. **Past Medical History:** includes irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome that required surgical intervention at ages 17 and 18, and minor kyphosis. For the past year, she has experienced considerable stiffness, along with clicking and popping sensations, accompanied by mild discomfort located at the costosternal junction, particularly around the second to fourth ribs, with greater intensity on the left side. Recently, during the last three days, she noticed a notable increase in pain on the left, to the extent that it occasionally causes a sharp sensation that temporarily immobilizes her. However, once she changes her position, the pain becomes more bearable. Notably, she is not experiencing any shortness of breath. The pain appears to be triggered by movement and can be replicated, leading her to believe that cardiac or pulmonary issues are unlikely. Attempts to alleviate the discomfort with a lidocaine patch have been largely ineffective, although she has found some slight relief with ibuprofen. This situation appears to align with typical presentations of costochondritis; nonetheless, she acknowledges that such symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks, while hers have persisted for an entire year. She has encountered information suggesting that chronic costochondritis might point to rheumatoid disorders, and she is uncertain about the validity of this claim. Given her earlier struggles with ulnar nerve entrapment, which occurred during her teenage years, she is contemplating whether this pain warrants further medical evaluation. Currently, she lacks comprehensive health insurance, and she wishes to avoid any extensive diagnostic processes if they are unlikely to yield actionable results. However, if there is a possibility that her symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, she is prepared to follow through with recommended evaluations. Thank you for your assistance!
Strange Sensation in Hands Experienced at College Gathering
Last night, I attended a dorm party where we enjoyed drinks and wandered around the campus, sharing laughter and conversation. Out of nowhere, I started experiencing a severe discomfort in my hands—like a tingling sensation equivalent to pins and needles. At one point, I feared my hands might be bleeding due to the intensity of the pain. Strangely, this sensation was widespread; others at the party also mentioned feeling similar discomfort in their hands, both during the event and shortly after. Even now, the sensation persists although it's considerably diminished. Pressing certain points on my fingers seems to exacerbate the issue. I’m 19 years old, a male, standing 5’11” and weighing around 200 pounds, of Iranian descent, without any known medical conditions and currently not on any medication. What could be causing this odd sensation?
Concerns About Potential Oven Cleaner Exposure: Should I Be Worried?
I'm a 23-year-old male, weighing 225 pounds, living in the United States. After shifting to a new apartment, I discovered that the oven still had dried remnants of oven cleaner that hadn't been washed off. My roommate had recently applied a different oven cleaner and scrubbed it with a Brillo pad, followed by rinsing. The next day, when I used the oven to heat some food, I noticed some leftover residue in the corners. A chemical odor caught my attention, and after about 15 minutes, I decided to transfer my food to the microwave for safety. Moreover, I had used the same Brillo pad to clean the oven tray before placing my food on it, unaware that it had been previously used with oven cleaner the night before. Now, I'm feeling anxious that I might have ingested some oven cleaner. I’m experiencing an unusual cold sensation in my mouth and throat, which comes with a scratchy or dry feeling. I'm wondering if the amount of cleaner I might have been exposed to is concerning or if it's merely a negligible trace. Any insights from others who have experienced this would be greatly appreciated.
Navigating Iron Levels: A Personal Journey
At 36, I find myself grappling with iron deficiency issues ever since I had a copper IUD placed. Though I had it removed three years ago, my ferritin levels still remain troublingly low; I've seen some progress—up from a previous 5—yet it’s still far from satisfactory. Currently, I take heme optifer iron three times a week to try to boost my levels. During my initial blood test, I was fasting and had halted my iron supplements for a full day prior. The results were perplexing, leading me to pause my iron intake for another two weeks before submitting blood work again. The recent results showed: - Iron: 32.7 umol/L - Transferrin: 1.74 g/L - Transferrin Saturation: 0.74 - TIBC: 44 umol/L - Ferritin: 29 I’m struggling to understand these findings. Is it typical to have such high transferrin saturation whilst my ferritin remains low? More importantly, what strategies can I use to elevate my ferritin levels to the desired range of 50 to 60 given these blood test results?
Swelling and Discoloration at the Tip of My Big Toe
I am a 34-year-old assigned female at birth, standing 6'1" and weighing 225 pounds. I do not smoke and my current medications include Lexapro, Metformin, and Tirzepatide. Recently, I accidentally trimmed my toenail a bit too short, though there was still visible nail left. Initially, I experienced some discomfort accompanied by redness, tightness, and swelling around the toe, but I decided to manage it without seeking immediate attention. However, a few days ago, I began to notice the emergence of purple dots and streaks, which have progressively worsened. Furthermore, I have also detected a painful purple area at the edge of my second toenail, which is surprising as I haven’t trimmed them in several weeks. I would appreciate any insights on this issue, as I’d like to avoid unnecessary expenses for a medical consultation that may lead to a dismissive response like “just let it grow out.”