Is my doctor guilty of malpractice? - Addiction & Recovery Message Board

SunnieD · 09-09-2003, 02:53 PM

I have been taking Vicoden for almost 3 years now.
I got addicted to it first about 6 years ago, then finally got off them, only to start again when I got bronchitis and was prescribed Hycotuss. I knew I was vulnerable, but the feeling of euphoria was a welcome mood inhancer since I've also been dealing with depression since early childhood.
The problem is, is that I get all the meds I need from a doctor who is sexually attracted to me. I can't go into all the details right now, but all I have to do is call him or email him for whatever I want. He knows I'm hooked, but uses that to keep me dependant on him.
He is also married and very prominent in our community. A scandal like this could totally ruin his reputation, but on the other hand, I've become so dependant on him because of the addiction.
I have contemplated suing him for malpractice, but I would be no better than him because I knew what I was doing. I've been saving all his emails for the past couple years just in case. Most of them are of a sexual nature, but ends with "Anything I can do for you"?
Any advice?

chefob1 · 09-09-2003, 04:38 PM

if you had a clear mind would you be having/thinking about a relationship with the doc?my advice would be after 3 years....dump the doc and seek support and get off the drugs...dont use him as an excuse to get the scrips...you come first in your life,work the addiction...youll be clear headed and might realize your better than the doc(annd the way he treats you)...as a guy, i can see where hes comin from and it would be nice for him to have a discreet fling...dont ya think?....if you think about it,what is the most logical thing to do?...most responsible....for him and for you...............the chef

1goodgirl · 09-09-2003, 04:45 PM

My 2 cents worth: Get yourself in a position where you are no longer dependent on him. Then see if he makes any sexual overatures that you can prove. He is definitely using your addiction for his own desires. Please remember that any publicity re: this situation would also include you. Whether or not this is "malpractice" is a legal question. Also anyone addicted to drugs is usually not believed when the other person is a well known and respected member of a community. You would need proof. Good luck to you and remember that you will have a lot of support on this board. Please keep us updated. Do you know an attorney that you can trust? It might be a good idea to talk to him/her.

deer03 · 09-13-2003, 09:07 AM

Get a free consultation with a reputable attorney,maybe one that is a few towns away.This past year in Tennessee, pharmacists have been arrested for distributing Oxycontins without a prescription for the extra cash, and atleast two doctors have been arrested,one for porn on his home computer and the other for possesion of narcotics with intent to sell and some patients that accuse him of improper conduct. print out those emails and keep them on your computer. I know we all think of our doctor as perfect but they too are human, and some are very greedy...my fiances doctor made major money from insurance companies by acting like a infomercial more than a doctor, pushing painkillers and various new meds on his patients. My own physician tried to give me every diet pill around because i am 20 pounds overweiht, never once did he tell me to exercise or diet...go figure,does that sound like someone with my best interest at heart? Good luck, and let us know what happens. As with everything in life, there are real good doctors out there, so be strong and stand up, you may be surprised how many other people are too scared to come forward.

rlcowboy · 09-13-2003, 11:58 AM

When you first saw this doctor and filled out all the paper work did you tell them that you were addicted once before in your life, if you did he should not have not had you on them again, but did you let him know is the question. That is your responsibility, I dont know if I would sue him because he was giving you the pills because you told him you still needed them, right? or did he tell you to keep taking them after you told him that you did not need them anymore? Not all his fault, right?