Prescription drug overdose deaths have reached such high levels that more people are dying from these drugs than heroin and cocaine combined, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These death rates have tripled since 1990 and an estimated 75 percent are caused by these opioid pain relievers. Oftentimes, a person who dies as a result of a prescription painkiller is also abusing another drug, including benzodiazepines, an illicit drug, or alcohol.
Studies show that those who are prone to abuse prescription painkillers often take larger doses to get feelings of euphoria and lessen withdrawal symptoms. But as larger doses are taken, breathing slows down. When this occurs, a person can stop all together and suffer an untimely death.
The CDC notes that the drugs oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and methadone are the most misused and abused prescription painkillers. Doctors that prescribe painkillers in high doses and in fatal combinations can be held accountable for their actions. Many states are also cracking down on pill mills and pharmacies that are “acting outside the limits of accepted medical practice”. Patient safety must be upheld, and part of this involves screening and examining patients who might be doctor shopping just to get a prescription.
Patient exams and assessments must also look into a person’s history of drug abuse, addiction and dependency. When health professionals see the signs of prescription drug abuse, they should help the patient connect with local resources to find a substance abuse treatment program to help them lessen their addiction and dependence. Medical professionals that look past crucial warning signs and aid the addiction can make him or her liable for a patient’s injury or untimely death. Prescribing drugs for illegitimate medical reasons, and not screening for a patient who might be abusing drugs can cause a physician to lose his or her license, if not suffer further civil and criminal penalties.
The CDC is currently recommending prescription drug monitoring programs that sync with health records so that a health provider can see what medicines a patient is taking. Their report shows that primary care physicians, internal medicine doctors, and dentists most often prescribe these types of prescription painkillers. There are evidence-based guidelines that these providers should follow to prescribe these medicines in safe and effective ways.
Paul Greenberg is a Chicago personal injury lawyer and Chicago personal injury attorney with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. To learn more call 1.877.595.4878 or visit http://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/.
