Opiod theft anxiety

[ziggypiggy]

Many of use opiods to treat our RLS. We know the risked associated with the potential for abuse for ourselves. We've weighed the risk/reward with our doctor and know what's at stake.

Our responsibility extends beyond ourselves though. Having a consistent supply of opiods on a month to month basis naturally makes us a target for those wanting to steal our medicine to use or sell.

I have three teenage daughters who I trust won't take any. But still they are teenagers. They also have friends. Others, may have caretakers who come regularly or house cleaners. You just never know. Even just a word spreading to the wrong individual can cause problems. Break-ins occur fairly often for opiod theft. It's a quick hit and run by those often in desperate circumstances.

I try to hide my medication so it's not visible but I still have anxiety about my opiods getting into the wrong hands causing someone else harm or addiction. Moreover, there also is the smaller but real concern of "Oh No" I have no meds for the rest of the month. Most doctors and insurance companies will not let you get a replacement supply early. So one would be left high and dry, facing the possibility of very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

I think I've decided to buy a small biometric metal safe. I'm going to mount it to a stud from the inside of the box, onto the inner side wall of my closet.

With just a thumprint I can have quick access to medication and feel less anxious.

Does anyone else have this concern of theft? If so, what methods do you take to protect against it? Maybe someone has a better or cheaper solution.

We probably shouldn't give up all our "trade secrets" on the internet. But, if anyone has had any problems with opiod theft and are comfortable sharing, it could be helpful to others here.

Hopefully I get no stories shared because no one here has had medication taken.

[Joolsg]

Wow, never thought of that at all. It's certainly food for thought. Thanks for raising it.

[sweetiepye]

I don't share my medical information with anyone but my husband. I would if asked, but no one ever has. My husband gives me my meds and he makes sure I don't get stuck without it. I've forgotten if I've taken my Suboxone a couple of times which is why I have my husband handle it.The box is a good idea.

[HeBgBgirl]

I have been taking opioids for many years along with pramipexole (generic for Mirapex) after reading your post I’m sorry I think you sound a bit paranoid!! Unless you live in some crazy place! I have never even thought about someone stealing my meds or breaking into my house to do so!! Unless you go around telling everyone you meet you take them there would be no reason for these thoughts!!! Your meds are a private thing especially nowadays the way they are treating pain patients along with RLS patients etc because we are on them (opioids). I just had a spinal fusion and all the doctors care about is getting me off them!! It scares the hell out of me Bc I know they help with the RLS to calm it down and make it stop! Of course along with other RX. But without it I just don’t know. anyway everyone has their issues with RLS it is a terrible syndrome!! I can’t even begin to tell all of u what happened 2 hours after my surgery!! I suffered in the hospital with RLS for over 10 hours!! No one in hospital knew what to do! I tried to tell them but Bc it involved opioids they had to go through hell n high water! Finally gave me shot of Ativan! That’s the short version! Oh and I was rocking n rolling so much my IVs came out twice! They couldn’t get back in bc my veins are nonexistent plus I couldn’t stay still!! It was everywhere!! Worst nightmare most violent episode I ever had!! Then 2 days later it happened again!! The tragedy of it all is hospital staff are not aware enough! They need to be educated about RLS. No one should have to suffer for hours n hours in a hospital the way I did!! It’s unconscionable!! Still want to talk about someone stealing your meds? Or talk about real issues that really happen to real people with RLS accompanied by pain!!! I’m sorry if I sound gruff but as a RLS sufferer we should all be fighting for our right to use the meds that work for us. Mark my words pretty soon wee won’t be able to get opioids. Doctors are afraid to give bc CDC, DEAand other government agencies are now telling insurance companies what to do regarding them. Oh I could write all night but hey just research it on internet. I didn’t believe it till it hit close to home!! ME!!

[ziggypiggy in reply to HeBgBgirl]

Never my intention to diminish someone else's experience with their RLS.

And no, I wouldn't consider myself paranoid. It's a worry I have. There is plenty of evidence to back up my concern. It's not something I came up in my own mind. Among tips suggested on how to store your opiod medications, locking them safely away is right up there.

It's clear it's not a worry for you. That is fair. But to equate this particular concern of mine(among many), to your experience in the hospital seems a bit unfair.

There is room here for everyone to get their stories and concerns heard. Not every post will resonate with some. And some are more intense than others.

Your ordeal at the hospital was obviously very unsettling. I too have had my own hospital related issues concerning RLS, not to your level, but it's real for alot of us. Maybe you should consider starting a new thread specific to this issue that can be discussed by all. Your story is important and should be shared. It may not be seen by some buried in this thread. But, you may have shared it before and I may have missed it.

I do share your concern on several aspects of your post concerning opioid regulation. All of us here want the medical community and insurers to be better informed and treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.

[ESRDRLS in reply to ziggypiggy]

We do get warned by our dr that we have iPod contacts with to watch for theft and told they will not be replaced. And a for instance anyone can accidentally see your meds say by your bed or chair and know what they are and steal them to sale. It’s a crazy words we live in. You have to be responsible for your meds though. And I am here for actual talk and help.

[HeBgBgirl in reply to ziggypiggy]

Your response is well taken and I apologize for not understanding. Then going on a rant about my issues. You are definitely right to suggest I open a new thread about hospital issue. I will do and thank you for suggesting it. I just started visiting this site again after a long time not doing so. I didn’t respond back till now even bc if I don’t see an email from Health Unlocked I kinda forget about it, among many other things I forget!! So please accept my apology I didn’t mean to diminish your feelings.

[ziggypiggy in reply to HeBgBgirl]

No worries. Funny timing. I was just in the hospital a few days ago for chest pains. Of course I forgot to bring my opiod prescription with me. In classic fashion it took many hours more than expected and my RLS was going through the roof. I just wasn't up for the fight of asking for a dose of my opiod medication thinking I would be getting released soon. I also know as soon as you ask for an opiod in the ER they instantly default to "junky seeking drugs mode." All my tests were fine but I did have to needlessly endure terrible RLS because of the stigma of opiod use. Let alone opiod use for RLS.