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I’m a pain patient and I lost my pain medication or prescriber. What do I do now?

We’re so sorry you’re in this position. You’re not alone, and there are concrete steps you can take.
Here’s a list of actions we recommend, based on real-world feedback from hundreds of patients in your shoes:

  • Join a Support Group
    • Join both the national and your state-specific DPF Facebook support group. (View Information Here)
    • You won’t find prescriber names posted publicly, but you will find support, guidance, and other patients in your state who may be able to help privately or organize around local advocacy efforts and possibly recommend providers in your area.
  • Request Your Medical Records
    • Get a copy of your electronic health record, INCLUDING your doctor’s notes.
    • If your provider was shut down, this may take time, but request them anyway.
    • Our website has guides on how to request your records and what your rights are. (link here)
  • Contact Your Insurance Provider
    • Some insurers have programs for abandoned patients or care transition teams. It’s rare, but it happens.
    • Ask if they can connect you to another prescriber or care coordinator.
  • Reach Out to Your Primary Care Doctor
    • If you have a PCP, book an appointment. If you don’t have one, try to find one.
    • Don’t explain everything over the phone. Don’t mention controlled substances over the phone. Just ask for a new patient appointment. Then, go in person and say something like:
      “I lost my pain management provider. This is the medication I’ve been on. Would you be willing to take over my care, at least temporarily?”
    • Be ready to tell the doctor everything you do in addition to medication. Be willing to try new things.
  • Stretch Any Remaining Medication (not medical advice, just an option)
    • If you still have medication left, try to taper slowly and carefully on your own.
    • We know you’re probably already undertreated but spreading it out may help soften withdrawal and give you more time to find a new provider.
  • Consider Kratom (If Legal in Your State) View Info Here 
    • Some patients report that kratom helps with withdrawal and pain.
    • Visit our Kratom page for info on suggestions on where to buy it and how to start.
    • This is not medical advice, and kratom isn’t for everyone, but it’s helped many abandoned patients get through a crisis and have some pain relief. 
  • Contact Your State Department of Health
    • Ask to speak to the “trusted contact for clinic closures or patient abandonment.”
    • Every state is supposed to have two people in this role to help coordinate care or overdose prevention.
    • They may act confused, but ask anyway. It won’t hurt.
  • Call a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
    • These are government-funded clinics that sometimes receive support to help abandoned patients, especially those on Medicaid.
    • Results are hit or miss, but it’s worth calling to ask if they can help.
  • As a Last Resort, Consider the Emergency Room
    • Many patients are treated poorly at the ER, but in a crisis, they may be able to give a “bridge prescription” or refer you to someone new.
    • Be honest about your situation. Some providers will listen. Some won’t. But if you’re out of options, it may be worth a try.
  • Consider a methadone clinic
    • It will have trade-offs, and may flag you for OUD, and going daily is impossible for some, but it may be a last resort option for some abandoned pain patients.
  • Once You’re Stable, File a Complaint
    • If your abandonment was unethical or illegal (e.g., no 30-day supply, no referral), file a complaint with the state medical board, health department, or insurance company.
    • Even if your doctor was shut down by law enforcement, you can still submit a general statement to your state officials documenting how this has harmed you.
  • Keep Detailed Notes
    • Every time you make a call, write down the date, time, name of the person, and what they said.
    • If it’s legal in your state, record the calls, too.
    • This paper trail can help if you need to appeal, report, or revisit your case later.
  • Stay Connected & Support the Cause

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You shouldn’t have to go through this alone, and you don’t have to.
If you’d like more support, resources, or coaching e-mails:

  • Join our Patreon community
    • We created our Patreon to give pain patients and advocates a private space to access trusted information and real guidance.
  • Here’s what you’ll find:
    • Exclusive videos and deep-dive posts you won’t see anywhere else
    • A supportive private community that understands exactly what you’re going through
    • For our top tier, you will get coaching e-mails where we help you figure out your next best step (we can’t find you a doctor, but we can help you advocate for yourself, know your rights, and stay safe)

Your support helps us keep doing the work, fighting bad policies, educating the public, and showing up for abandoned patients. (Visit Us On Patreon)

  • Follow Us on Social Media:
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