Signs You May Be Dealing with a Drug Seeker as a Nurse
Signs You May Be Dealing with a Drug Seeker as a Nurse
Dealing with patients who are seeking drugs, or displaying signs of addiction, can be one of the most challenging parts of a nurse's job. Recognizing these red flags is crucial to effectively providing care while ensuring patient safety. This article, based on my personal experiences, aims to help nurses identify potential drug seekers in various settings and address their complex needs.
Identifying Red Flags in Emergency and Accident Settings
When working in emergency and accident settings, certain behaviors can indicate that a patient is seeking drugs. These behaviors include:
Reported Allergies to Non-Narcotic Pain Medications: A patient who insists they are allergic to all pain medications except for opiates should raise concern. This is a common trick used by those seeking drugs. Exaggerated Symptoms: Patients who report severe pain despite having no obvious clinical signs, engage in distracting activities like watching videos or playing mobile games, or display a contradictory attitude (saying they are in severe pain but eating snacks) are often drug seekers.It’s important to note that managing pain is a delicate balance. Pain management should address the cause as well as the symptom, and focusing solely on the symptom without addressing the underlying issues can contribute to the drug abuse epidemic.
Common Signs in General Practice
Outside of emergency settings, in a general practice (GP) or family doctor’s office, the signs of drug seeking can be less obvious. However, there are specific indicators that can help nurses identify potential addiction:
Repeated Loss of Prescriptions: When a patient frequently claims to have lost their medication or it was 'eaten by a dog' or 'forgotten on holiday,' this can be a red flag. Multiple instances of this behavior suggest a pattern of drug seeking. Manipulation and Cattiness: Avoid playing 'cat and mouse' games with patients. This behavior can make them feel more comfortable and lead to more attempts to deceive.When dealing with suspected drug seekers, it is essential to maintain a compassionate and professional approach. These patients often have underlying issues such as addiction that require professional help rather than just medication.
Recognizing Pain as Subjective
Pain is a subjective experience, and it is crucial to believe the patient's report of their pain level. However, there are certain behaviors that can help differentiate between a patient in genuine pain and someone seeking drugs:
Specific Details: Patients with genuine pain can provide specific details about where it hurts, how it feels, and what makes it better or worse. Behavioral Indicators: Observing a patient's behavior, such as trying to conceal substance use, can also be a sign of drug seeking.As a nurse, your role is to provide compassionate care and ensure the patient's well-being. Suspected drug seekers should be referred to appropriate healthcare professionals for further assessment and treatment.
Conclusion
Addressing drug seeking behaviors is a sensitive and complex issue. Your role as a nurse is crucial in recognizing these behaviors and ensuring that patients receive appropriate care. By staying vigilant and maintaining a compassionate approach, you can help prevent the misuse of medications and provide much-needed support to those in need of genuine pain management.