Prescription abuse

Statistics may be true, but drug abuse still runs rampant through our region in the form of prescription drug abuse. Abuse of prescription pain medication and anti-anxiety agents have taken the place of the more traditionally abused chemicals.

Opioid-based pain relievers such as OxyContin, Dilaudid, Percocet, and Lortab, are easily obtained by simply visiting their family physician or the local emergency room. These medications are frequently abused and highly addictive.

The body becomes dependent on the addictive painkillers and the user goes through severe withdrawal when deprived of them. Often the fear of these withdrawal symptoms, and the addiction itself will drive these users to obtain the medication any way they can, legally or illegally.

Another highly abused prescription medication in our region is benzodiazepines. These medications, often referred to as “nerve-pills,” or “benzos” are causing many to become hopelessly addicted.

Often, drug abusers will combine the opioids with the benzodiazepines to enhance their euphoria, but this combination has led to many accidental overdoses and death. Benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan also cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped. The most prevalent withdrawal symptom from benzodiazepines is increased anxiety, reinforcing the patient’s belief that they cannot go without medication.

The purpose of this letter is to increase awareness of this type of substance abuse and to ask local physicians to be more diligent in screening patients for substance abuse behavior. Requests for early refills, numerous reports of lost or stolen medication, and frequent emergency room visits asking for pain medication should all raise red flags.

Pharmacists could help identify problem patients by reporting “doctor-shopping,” and odd behaviors such as insisting on paying cash for a controlled medication when they have insurance.

We are aware that there is no way to stop the abuse of prescription medication altogether. We do, however, believe that those who provide the prescription can make an impact on availability.

Simple proactive steps such as pill counts, urine drug screens, and recognizing drug-seeking behavior may help identify those who abuse or misuse their medication. Once abuse or misuse has been identified, then detoxification and substance abuse counseling can be offered.

— Alina Vrinceanu, MD; Roger Hamm, LPN

Southern Highlands Community Health Center, Princeton, WV