Prescription opioid pain killers, such as oxycodone and Vicodin, affect the brain in the same way as the opioid heroin does. They are highly addictive and should be closely monitored by a trained medical or psychological professional. This is not always the case as more and more people are rapidly becoming addicted to them and seek ways in which to obtain them once their prescriptions run out.
Pain killer addicts will often “doc shop”, bouncing from one doctor to another, to obtain new prescriptions when the others run out. Pharmacies are supposed to watch out for such behaviors but there is no guarantee they will catch it. Addicts will also take opioids that have been prescribed to friends or family members willing to share, steal them from medicine cabinets, or participate in pharm parties where prescription drugs are passed around like candy.
The danger here is in taking another person’s prescription which was determined by their age, weight, and medical history. In this case, what’s good for the goose is not always good for the gander making the risk of prescription drug overdose in these scenarios is extremely high.
Bensalem’s Opioid Epidemic
Fred Harran, Director of Public Safety for the township of Bensalem, stated in an NCB 10 Philadelphia news report, that in September alone, 63 people in Bensalem, PA have overdosed on opioid drugs. Harran’s biggest concern does not lie in illicit street drugs, such as heroin, but in overdoses caused by prescription drugs.
SAMHSA’s director of Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Dr. Peter Delaney, stated during a recent news release, “Prescription pain relievers, when used properly for their intended purpose, can be of enormous benefit to patients, but their nonmedical use can lead to addiction, serious physical harm and even death.”
On the warpath against prescription drugs, which according to Harran accounts for 80 to 90 percent of the crimes committed in Bensalem, Harran told NBC, “We’re going after every source that’s supplying these drugs to the street, every source.” He continued stating, “And I’m not talking about a back-alley dealer in Kensington. That’s not what I’m talking about, because no one is producing Vicodin in their garage.”
The Help You Need
Steps to Recovery, with national headquarters right here in Bensalem, is here to help anyone feeling they may be addicted to prescription drugs, illicit drugs, or alcohol. Our confidential, personalized recovery plans and professional, caring staff will provide all you need to prevent the risk of prescription drug overdose by helping you to break away from addiction and enjoy a life free of substance abuse. Call us anytime.
