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Prescription drugs are obtained from hospitals, clinics, dentists and doctors.  Some are diligent in the process of prescribing drugs, others, unfortunately, ask few questions.  Prescription drugs originate from legitimate sources, yet some of these sources actually facilitate and help to create drug addiction.

The power of drug addiction is difficult to overcome alone.  Many people addicted to prescription drugs just need help.  Addiction can’t be beat without the help of those who care.

With continued use of drugs, addiction takes hold and controls the individual.  As the addiction gains momentum, the person develops an intolerance and increases the strength, or amount, of drugs taken.  On the street, some of the stronger prescription drugs can cost as much as $80.00 per pill.  Those addicted start to “borrow” money and end up stealing from their friends and family members.  Eventually, the addict will engage upon criminal behavior that escalates.  If they’re lucky, they get caught before they hurt themselves or others.

It is a myth that most drug offenders automatically go to prison.  In Butler County, we have a Drug Court that emphasizes treatment and does everything possible to help individuals beat the power of addiction.  If a person wants help - - - and means it - - - it is within grasp.  The journey is not easy and the road can be rough.  When people graduate from Drug Court, it is a true celebration to see the tears of joy from those who have fought the devil (in one of his worst forms) and they have won the fight.  While not everyone can remain clean, the few that are saved are worth the struggle.

When a person becomes over reliant on pain medication, they cannot see it themselves.  We need to be diligent in watching our family and friends who may be “legally” prescribed drugs.  None of us wants to be “nagging” someone about the pills they are taking, but being consistent in our concerns might keep matters from getting worse.  There are various ways to get help for someone.  There are “good” pain management clinics that focus on reducing the amount of drugs taken by a person experiencing pain.   

It can be dangerous to have prescription drugs in our medicine cabinets where young people can get pills without us knowing.  Cleaning people, home caregivers, workmen, and relatives have all been caught taking a person’s medicine.  If prescription drugs are no longer needed, it is important not to have them idle in the medicine cabinet . . . they need to be destroyed.

We, in southern Ohio, are experiencing an epidemic in prescription drug abuse.  Chronic misuse destroys a person’s kidneys and can result in a variety of collateral health problems.  Drug abuse destroys a person’s body and personality.  An addiction driven person will do things they normally would never consider doing.  Unfortunately, we have had way too many cases dealing with shoplifting, theft, prostitution, and other crimes because of the power of addiction to prescription drugs.  Addiction often leads to “accidental” overdose.

-Robin Piper - Butler County Prosecutor