Expert: Jacqui - 6/5/2010

Question
QUESTION: I'm writing to you because I suppose I don't have anyone else to write this to and from your profile you seem like an extremely understanding person (concerning harm reduction, etc). You are right about America's stupid drug war. It's personally impacted many members of my family.

Anyway, the other day I went to the county health department - in cities these people are usually known to be non-judgemental and helpful, generally, which is what I went in expecting - to get a basic check up and report my 30+ symptoms I have been having these last two years since the government cut off my insurance (ironically, because I'm too ill to work). I have pain issues that I have been taking "illegal" methadone for since I was 17 (I am now 21), and since a few of my symptoms might be associated with that, I thought that I could tell the doctor that. When I did, his attitude changed from nice and friendly to VERY angry, haughty, judgemental, etc. He looked at me in a very unpleasant way and said "So, you're hooked on methadone eh?" AFTER I had explained to him that the only reason I take it is because I have chronic pain issues that doctors either ignore or tell me "sorry, we know you're in pain but we're afraid of the DEA". I told him that I have tried everything they told me to do, including going to a chiorpractor (sp), phys therapy, etc. etc. The list goes on.

He responded again in a very angry,skeptical way, as if he took it personally. He kept asking me how much it costs me per dose, per day, and if I have that much money why should I waste his time at the health department? and he also failed to inform me that - along with some bloodwork I'm having done which he did tell me about - he ordered a drug test to be taken - without my knowledge and out of my pocket no less!

I have learned to NEVER be honest with another American doctor EVER again. I was made to feel like a complete scumbag or a "junkie" as he called me. Anyway, I wanted to get your opinion as to whether this is ethical treatment and if not what should I do (also keep in mind he wouldn't even listen to half of what I had to say as to my actual health problems and symptoms, he was only interested in how I obtained this medicine and how much it cost, etc), AND does it make me a common garden-variety 'drug addict' like he said? I have never viewed myself having an addiction or problem (and if I were to, I certainly don't see it as being immoral, if not "illegal" - a trivial concern for a doctor it should seem - there shouldn't be such a ridiculous stigma) and I have actually stopped taking the methadone before to see if I could do it (because of the physical withdrawls) and though it was very difficult I did do it, but after the withdrawls subsided I was again forced by my pain (and paranoid doctors) to again go the "illegal" route. The stress of worrying about being "busted" and going to jail, getting sick, staying sick, and being treated like an actual criminal is always looming heavy over my mind.....if I can't even be honest with A DOCTOR....WHO on earth can I go to?! What should I do?

ANSWER: Hi Mary,

I wish I could say that this surprised me, but it doesn't.  I was, coincidentially, having a discussion with a medical practitioner today about this and we were lamenting the judgement that comes from society.  There is some interesting work done on the process of making someone the "other" and demonising a group for political means - which is largely how the war on drugs came about.  The more people judge a person, the further away it makes them.  People base their stupid judgemental ideas on antiquainted notions perpetuated by the media.  Why a drug like alcohol is any better than a drug like heroin is beyond me really - but unfortunately that is the society we live in at the moment.

It has been encouraging to see that Obama isn't a fan of the war on drugs, but he is really up against it in the US.  Australia has had a better system (where I am based) but there is still lots of judgment.  People just assume that a drug user is a criminal because the 'normal' drug users  don't want to admit they use illegal substances because of what you experienced.  

So, in a word, "yes" - that was highly unethical.  If you let me know where you are I might be able to track down a harm reduction organisation who can give you some advice and perhaps point you in the right direction regarding finding a better doctor.

I am so sorry you had to deal with this kind of rubbish.  

Take care and whatever you do, do it safely.  I look forward to hearing from you again.

Jacqui

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear ma'am,

I cannot express how grateful I am to you for making me feel so much better about this situation. I can tell that you truly care about people, and that's something nobody could say about that doctor I saw...I will keep you in my prayers because you are truly doing God's will.

Yes, I was indeed hopeful around the time of Obama's election, but soon became much less of a fan when he blew off (in quite an arrogant and disrespectful manner) the number one question that had been submitted to him, which dealt with medical marijauna or marijauna/economic issues...it was shocking to see that even the president feels immense pressure to say and do not what he thinks is right but what his financiers think is profitable. But I still believe there is hope for at least perhaps the states being allowed to deal with the issue on their own.

Anyway, I am sorry if this is too long. I am currently living in Southwestern NC, if you need any other details please feel free to ask. Again, thank you very much for your selfless efforts; you've already helped me so much more than even I could've thought. God bless you.

Answer
Mary,

No problems at all!  Hey, when I Googled Harm Reduction in North Carolina (I am assuming that is what NC means) I found this really cool organisation - North Caroline Harm Reduction Coalition - check out their site and there might be some info that is helpful to you!

http://www.ncharmreduction.org/

Take care, and whatever you do, do it safely!

Jacqui