Ethics & Law · single question
All of the following are signs of opioid addiction in a dental patient EXCEPT:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Coming to the clinic in person to request refills
D) Coming to clinic in person — CORRECT (this is NOT specifically a sign of addiction).
Visiting the clinic in person to request refills is actually APPROPRIATE behavior and shows the patient is engaged with care. Red flags for opioid addiction/misuse include: requesting specific drugs by name, knowing detailed drug composition (drug-seeking behavior), missed appointments, multiple prescription sources, early refill requests, and using opioids for non-pain purposes.
A) Missing appointments: A red flag — disengagement from legitimate care while continuing to seek opioids.
B) Requesting specific opioid by name: Strong indicator of drug-seeking behavior.
C) Knowing drug composition: While not definitive, it suggests familiarity with opioids beyond normal patient knowledge.
Visiting the clinic in person to request refills is actually APPROPRIATE behavior and shows the patient is engaged with care. Red flags for opioid addiction/misuse include: requesting specific drugs by name, knowing detailed drug composition (drug-seeking behavior), missed appointments, multiple prescription sources, early refill requests, and using opioids for non-pain purposes.
A) Missing appointments: A red flag — disengagement from legitimate care while continuing to seek opioids.
B) Requesting specific opioid by name: Strong indicator of drug-seeking behavior.
C) Knowing drug composition: While not definitive, it suggests familiarity with opioids beyond normal patient knowledge.