|
Blogs
| Main |
Drug Addicts and Prescription Painkillers ( 1638 reads) |
Monday, July 27, 2009 (19:15:04) |
| |
CNN has an article about drug addicts manipulating dentists into prescribing painkillers. In the article Kenny Morrison, a former addict, states, "I kind of found out on my own that a dentist will prescribe you painkillers over the phone, instead of a doctor who you would most likely have to go in and see."
At one point Morrison even had a tooth removed - even though there was nothing wrong with it - so he could get more painkillers. Although drug seeking behaviour is common in emergency rooms and doctor's offices, this is the first time I've heard about dentists. (By the way, in June LEAP released a four part series on prescription drug abuse. Have a look in our blog archive to find it.)
The manner in which Morrison obtained his drugs does not reflect an efficient, sustainable or comprehensive healthcare system. Ask yourself: how long does it usually take to schedule an appointment with your dentist? What is the waiting time for various medical procedures in your area? How much does your health insurance cost?
There is a real cost to our current approach to drug abuse, and not only for Morrison, but for the rest of us as well. |
|
