I was reading the question about pain meds not working for someone.

Bloodproblems

I have a different problem. I keep my pain meds in my medicine cabinet in my bathroom. Just me and my spouse are here. I take them exactly as they are supposed to be taken so I never take too many. I ran short last month, and this month I thought the bottle was looking like there wasn't enough so I counted. I will be 5 short by the end of the month. I know my spouse isn't taking them, he is scared to death to take anything at all, will barely take aspirin.

So either I am being shorted by the pharmacy, or someone is taking them out of my bottle. I hate to accuse my grandson but that is about the only explanation. Have any of you had this problem before? I'm not sure just how to ask him about it.

Bengal

Next time you get a refill count out the medication right off the bat so you know how many you have. It would be hard to confront your grandson but if you suspect him you know he is endangering himself. Maybe just put the medication in a more secure place. This is a tough one.

LiveWithCancer

@Bengal has two good suggestions. I hadn't thought about counting them as soon as you get them, but i was also going to suggest hiding them, placing them under lock and key where no one can access them.

Discussing possible drug abuse with your grandchild may be one of the hardest discussions ever, but may also be one of the most crucial. If he is stealing your pain meds, he may need to get into counseling/treatment.

Good luck!! You are certainly not in an enviable place.

BugsBunny

I have seen this in our family. I have seen this in our business with some very affluent customers. Money doesn't keep a child from abusing drugs. Hiding them, locking them, whatever you need to do is OK to keep him away from your drugs.

GregP_WN

Yes, that's for sure something you don't want to get in the middle of. If you don't want to confront him about it, count the pills like suggested, then put them in a lockbox that he can't get in to. Your part of the problem should be solved. I'm sorry that you might be having family-related drug issues. It hurts more than just the person with the problem.

Bug

I have heard of people counting their pills right there at the pharmacy because they think the pharmacy might short them.

You could count the pills, put them in the medicine cabinet and then count them after your grandson has left. You'd know for sure then. Of course, in the meantime he has the drugs and could hurt himself so I guess that isn't a good option after all. Could you count them before he leaves the house somehow? Or you could always just hide them or lock them up. But if he does have a problem it won't be addressing the problem. A sticky situation for sure. Do you know for sure that he even goes into your bathroom?

andreacha

There's another thing to think about ..... perhaps a pharmacist has a problem and is taking a few from yours, a few from another, etc. I personally know of 2 nurses that would take meds that were issued for a patient. Most patients don't keep that close of a track in the hospital especially if they are very sick. I'd count them at the Pharmacy (inside, not drive through) and see what happens. I pray your Grandson isn't responsible.

BobsProstate

Lock them up! You can get a small lockbox that will keep most "honest" people out and probably will solve your problem. Anyone with a "problem" is going to just steal the whole box. But, they would also steal your whole bottle and not just try to get a few out of it.

MiriamMarino

Do not store your pain med in the medicine cabinet. Find a safe, secret place. And do not tell anyone where it is. Sorry. This is for everyone's safety. Especially if it is potentially addictive or harmful if taken in a higher than prescribed dose.