Reframing Medication Seeking Behaviors: A Call for Compassionate Understanding

In the realm of mental health and addiction, the way we conceptualize medication-seeking behaviors can have a profound impact on both the patient and the clinician. When someone labels a person like Jane Doe as “med seeking,” it may be more human-centered to rephrase it as Jane exhibiting symptoms that align with her diagnosis, withdrawal, and cravings. Consequently, she may engage in certain manipulative behaviors to satisfy these perceived needs, such as addressing her withdrawal symptoms, cravings, urges, impulses, or desires to use substances, or even rationalize her usage.

While the term “med seeking” is succinct, it oversimplifies the complex reality of the individual’s experience. By describing these actions as symptoms of medication seeking, we aim to accurately conceptualize the problem behavior without reducing the individual to merely her addiction or tendencies. However, time for adequate and accurate communication isn’t always available, and providers may sometimes inadvertently choose the wrong words.

This article seeks to raise awareness and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of honoring an individual’s humanity. It encourages a bias towards assuming that people are genuinely seeking help for themselves, rather than minimizing their intentions or sincerity. There is a belief that individuals have the possibility of getting better, and clinicians should honor this idealism of potential within them, recognizing their unblemished and untarnished nature – the immemorial nous.

(c)2024 John Piedrahita