Remember how I said you get good at spotting the fakers?
Yeah.
He's exhibiting every sign of opiate withdrawal. Eyes dilated, tearing, skin has piloerection and goosebumps. Hypertension, tachycardia. Agitation, restlessness, perspiration. He's checking every box.
Right, but he said he doesn't take drugs and seldom drinks alcohol, so...
That's exactly what he would want you to believe if he was drug-seeking.
Wow. You're good.
Thanks. I am.
So how do we treat him?
By getting him to admit his opiate usage.
Right. How do we do that?
By being smarter than the patient.
Got it. He said he isn't an addict, so why give him an opiate agonist to treat his withdrawal symptoms?
Because I don't believe him. And I know this will work. Then once he feels better, we can get him to admit to his addiction and treat him long-term.
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