Prescription Drug Abuse: Accidental Overdose Deaths From Home
In North Carolina, accidental drug overdoses are the second leading cause of accidental deaths in the state. More than two thirds of those overdose deaths involve drugs from the home. North Carolina has a tool to track prescription drug abuse and âdoctor shoppingâ but many believe it is not used to its full potential.
âIt just got to where I couldnât stop taking the pain pills,â said Sandy Hommel. âIt got to where every morning I would wake up, thatâs all I could really think about â what doctor I was going to go to and what I was going to say this time.â
The increasing prescription drug problem concerns many law enforcement officials in the state. The problem strains community resources on a daily basis.
âI think itâs an epidemic,â said Lee County Sheriff Tracy Carter. âThe addiction for some of these prescription pills is, in my own opinion, worse than a crack addiction.â
In July of 2007, North Carolina started a prescription drug database. Since its inception, the program has tracked 46 million prescriptions and 2.7 billion doses of highly addictive prescription drugs in the state. Many in law enforcement are frustrated with the programâs limited access. Only physicians, pharmacists and the State Bureau of Investigation have access to the information contained in the database. In addition, the program is a voluntary one with only about 20 percent contribution.
There is now vigorous debate of who is entitled to view the information in the state database.
âOur issue is who has access to the database,â said Sarah Preston, legislative counsel for the North Carolina chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. âThereâs already a lengthy list of people who can look at it, and I think itâs appropriate that doctors and pharmacists can have a look and make sure theyâre doing the best thing for the patient, but as far as law enforcement, I just donât see that as being appropriate.â
At The Treatment Center, our passion is, simply, you. Our mission is to restore you and your families hope. We exist because we feel strongly about helping people overcome their drug or alcohol addictions in a safe, medically supervised and supportive environment. Our primary job is to help you get sober â and stay sober â restoring your hope in yourself and your future.
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