Frustrations With Drug Seekers

Some days it is just difficult to do your job, especially when taking care of a drug seeking patient who makes the rounds of the various ED's across the city looking for a fix. It's awful that he knows exactly what to say (abdominal pain) to get what can be a lengthy work-up and at least a few doses of narcotics. Once admitted, he simply refuses to leave after everything comes up negative, still complaining of pain and requesting narcotics. Eventually, we have to refuse him, and only when he is frustrated with our care will he leave. And why would we work-up an individual who we know is drug seeking? Because what if this time something really is wrong and we refused to treat him. Can you imagine the repercussions?

For those who work in healthcare, I can see your heads nodding up and down in agreement and frustration.