|
|
|
Substance Abuse
July 3, 2008 |
On average nearly 700,000 Americans end up in Emergency Rooms because of
drug-related incidents. Physicians say you don’t have to be a regular drug user
for your body to be affected by substances. “Any history they have may have
affected their body in a way they didn’t even realize at the time - and so
now I need to know about it,” says Dr. Avery Wright, a physician with Lee
Memorial Health System.
She adds that in order for most physicians to make a proper diagnosis they must
be completely informed about a patient, especially when it comes to drug use.
“We always ask drug history so if there’s ever been a history of recreational
drug use, marijuana, cocaine anything like that. We always try to figure that
out because obviously that has a huge impact on the rest of their life and
health.”
But drug use is also a topic many patients feel uncomfortable discussing with
their physician. But it’s a discussion that could greatly affect the way a
physician looks at your symptoms or health concerns. “It does change how I may
diagnose or the things that are running through my head as to how to help them.
Most people think that doesn’t matter. That has nothing to do with it and why
bring it up but it does make a difference. This stuff is important; it’s
medically important and I think a lot of people just don’t realize that,” says
Dr. Wright.
Remember that the conversations you have with your primary care physician are
confidential and you can be open about any subject including alcohol or drug
abuse. Your physician may even be able to refer you to a treatment program or
counselor. |
|
|
|
