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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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