Doctor shopping is the practice of visiting multiple doctors in order to obtain as many prescriptions as possible. This practice is most commonly associated with prescription drugs, specifically prescription opioids, as a way to obtain large quantities for abuse or even to sell to others.
Due to the nature of doctor shopping, this practice is not only illegal but also highly dangerous. Without proper monitoring, obtaining large quantities of prescription drugs through doctor shopping can easily lead to addiction, as well as the potential for legal trouble if the person gets caught. It may even lead to an overdose, due to the sheer number of pills that may be around.
How Does Doctor Shopping Work?
In doctor shopping, a person will visit multiple doctors (sometimes locally and sometimes spread out over a large area) with the sole purpose of obtaining as many prescriptions as they can. Typically it is to obtain more of the same medication. But in some rare instances, it may be to obtain different types of medications.
This is done by seeing a doctor and then claiming to have a condition or ailment that warrants a specific prescription medication for treatment. Sometimes the ailment is legitimate. But more often than not, the condition is fabricated. The person may exaggerate the severity to get more of the drug or be prescribed a higher dose.
There are three main reasons why someone may engage in doctor shopping:
- Addiction: Someone may have developed a dependency on a drug, either by taking it legitimately or recreationally, and now needs more to satisfy their addiction.
- Selling: Prescription drugs, particularly opioids, can have a high street value. By obtaining more than they need, people may attempt to sell the extras for a profit.
- Avoid Detection: Doctor shopping can sometimes delay pharmacies’ ability to detect prescription drug misuse or use of alternative treatments.
Signs That Someone is Doctor Shopping
If you suspect that someone may be engaging in doctor shopping, there are several red flags to watch out for. These include:
People who engage in doctor shopping may often complain of pain or other symptoms that are difficult to verify objectively. Even if they do have a legitimate ailment or condition that requires a prescription medication, they may exaggerate symptoms to get a higher dose of medication or a larger prescription.
A common tactic among doctor shoppers is to tell the doctor that their current prescription doesn’t work or isn’t effective. This is another way they can get a higher dose or even get prescribed something stronger than what they are currently taking.
In some instances, the person may ask outright for a stronger dosage. Even when presented with non-medication forms of treatment, they may refuse those options and only accept a prescription.
Doctor shoppers will often hide their drugs so that those around them won’t know that they are hoarding pills or have large quantities at their disposal. In addition to hiding them around their house, they may also keep them in other places they frequent (such as their car or at work).
If a person is doctor shopping for the purposes of taking drugs in ways other than directed, it may be a sign of a larger abuse or addiction issue. This can include crushing and snorting their pills, or combining multiple substances to enhance their effects. This can often mean that people will run out of their medication faster than if they were using these medications as intended. This can also be motivation for doctor shopping.
Is Doctor Shopping Used For Non-Addiction Purposes?
While doctor shopping is mostly associated with illegally obtaining prescription drugs, there are instances where doctor shopping is done for legitimate reasons.
Some examples of legitimate doctor shopping include:
- Seeking lower costs: Some people visit multiple doctors to find the most affordable prescription prices.
- Wanting a second (or third) medical opinion: Patients may consult different doctors to get alternative treatment recommendations, especially for complex or chronic conditions.
- Wanting a specific medication or treatment method: Not all doctors prescribe the same medications or treatments. Some patients may seek a doctor who aligns with their preferences, which can mean a holistic approach or a specific medication.
Is Doctor Shopping Illegal?
When doctor shopping is done with the intent of illegally obtaining prescription drugs and not for any of the reasons listed above, it is highly illegal. In fact, many states have laws in place to punish both the patient and their doctor should it be found out that the doctor was aware the person was doctor shopping and did nothing to stop it.
Legal consequences of doctor shopping can include:
- Criminal Charges: Many jurisdictions classify doctor shopping as fraud or drug-related offenses, which can lead to jail time or fines.
- Loss of Medical Privileges: Patients caught doctor shopping may be banned from receiving prescriptions from certain providers.
- Involvement in a Broader Investigation: If someone is found doctor shopping as part of a drug-selling operation, they could face even more severe legal consequences.
Doctors are also held accountable for overprescribing medications. Many healthcare providers are trained to recognize potential doctor shopping behaviors and are required to report suspicious activity to the authorities.
Get Help For Prescription Drug Addiction and Learn More About What is Doctor Shopping at Cypress Lake Recovery
Doctor shopping is a dangerous practice that fuels addiction and illegal drug distribution, which makes it a serious concern in today’s medical landscape. If you or someone you know is doctor shopping to feed a drug addiction, it’s important to seek professional treatment right away.
We at Cypress Lake Recovery offer treatment options for a number of different addictive substances, including prescription drugs. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options or to get started on the road to recovery.
