Have you heard of the opioid risk tool? It’s an assessment that can help you determine if you’re at risk of opioid addiction. 

Maybe it’s helpful for some, but it’s not a catchall. My answer to every single question was no, and I still became addicted. Personal history of substance abuse? No. Family history of substance abuse? Nope. Psychological concerns? All clear. 

But because of the nature of opioids, any and everyone is at risk, no matter their score. It doesn’t matter if you do or don’t have a history of addiction, a parent with substance abuse issues, or a mental health disorder. 

If you’re taking them for pain management, especially long-term, you’re in danger. 

I became addicted to opioids during a time when there were no consequences for doctors who freely prescribed and freely ignored the patients they treated. No risk assessment existed for them, no threat of losing their medical license or anything like that. 

It must have been easy to overlook ruined lives in favor of the lofty payouts that came from prescribing opioids, choosing instead to believe that it was the patient’s fault.

But things are different now. Now doctors are held accountable for the prescriptions they give and the amounts they dole out. 

Working with a doctor who truly cares about you and your health, and taking time to educate yourself on the drugs you’re putting in your body can lessen the likelihood of addiction. 

You have to decide for yourself what you can do to avoid becoming addicted. In my case, my gut told me to stop taking the medicine after two months. But because my doctor disagreed, pulling the “I’m the doctor here,” card, I didn’t listen. 

I chose to listen to my doctor instead of my gut and that resulted in addiction. 

I can’t stress enough that no matter who you are, if you’re taking opioids, prescription or not, you’re at risk for addiction. 

And sometimes, only you can stop that from happening. 

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