Mendacity or Denial?

“You took 40 Valium when you got into a fight with your boyfriend. Do you use any other drugs or drink alcohol to excess? Any IV drugs? Smoke any crack?”

“No. I don’t drink and I don’t use drugs.”

“That’s interesting, because the ER doctor was concerned that you might have ingested more than Valium so he called the pharmacist who told him you had a prescription for 180 Xanax tablets filled two weeks ago.”

“I flushed those down the commode.”

“The pharmacists also told the ER doctor that he filled your prescription for 50 Vicodin last week.”

“I gave those to my boyfriend.”

“It says in your chart that you have Hepatitis C.”

“I got it injecting cocaine.”

“I thought you said you didn’t use IV drugs.”

“I forgot.”

“Your chart also indicates you have cirrhosis of the liver. From drinking? And your probation officer called. She said you had been in jail numerous times for public intoxication and driving under the influence. Sounds like you have a significant drug and alcohol problem. What do you think?”

“I just use because all my friends do drugs and alcohol. I can stop anytime that I want. It’s not a problem for me. Can I go home?”