Which is an example of aberrant drug-related behaviors?

• A. Attending all appointments, following plan, reporting symptoms honestly
• B. Taking medications as prescribed
• C. Regularly reviewing their treatment plan
• D. Abusive toward staff, doctor shopping, unauthorized dose escalations, early refill requests

Answer: (D)

Aberrant drug-related behaviors are actions that stray from the prescribed treatment plan and signal potential misuse or diversion. The behaviors described—being abusive toward staff, doctor shopping, requesting dose escalations without medical justification, and asking for early refills—are classic red flags that meds are not being used as intended and that there may be unmanaged risk or improper access to controlled substances. In contrast, consistently attending appointments, taking medications as prescribed, and regularly reviewing the treatment plan reflect good adherence and engagement with care. So this set of behaviors best illustrates aberrant drug-related behaviors because it shows attempts to obtain more medication outside the approved plan and disruptive or unsafe conduct, which require clinical attention and risk management.