The courts are finally holding doctors accountable for overprescribing opiate pain pills …And it’s about time!
Many doctors and people in the medical community either don’t know or don’t care just how addictive these medications are. Then there are the doctors that are prescribing for their own financial gains.
A case in Rowland Heights, California just ended with a guilty verdict of second degree murder for a doctor who was writing scripts for patients who later overdosed and died. In this particular case, some of the family members of the people who died, had asked the doctor to stop writing for all of the opiates. Jackie Lacey, District Attorney says, “This verdict sends a strong message to individuals in the medical community who put patients at risk for their own financial gain.”
Here at Clearbrook we have witnessed the trends in the abuse of pain medications. National statistics show overdose deaths have now surpassed deaths in automobile accidents. The federal, state, and local governements through coordinated efforts and policies have done a good job in shutting down many “pill mills” and setting up databases to red flag people and doctors from the life ending trend of overprescribing. This is a good start, but the overall epidemic is still running rampant throughout the United States.
One of the devastating effects of the opiate pain medication epidemic is the conversion of abusers to switch to heroin. Scripts can run out before they can be filled again, or a good doctor may actually tell you that its time to get off the meds. Many opiate pill users at this point look to purchase their medications illegally from a dealer. They quickly find that the cost of purchasing pills is astronomical when compared to buying a bad of heroin. Heroin also provides the experience with a greater high. Heroin addiction along with opiate addiction is like playing Russian roulette every time you get high.
There is help for those suffering from these addictions. As soon as someone becomes willing to accept that help, all things become possible. We have seen scores of people come through our doors and recover from addiction. Don’t wait for it to be too late to get help. Our Admissions Staff is available 24/7 to help you or your loved ones.
We offer help and promise you hope!
