Texas Seeks to Curb Prescription Drug Abuse with New Law

June 30, 2012

Texas Seeks to Curb Prescription Drug Abuse with New Law

Nearly nine of every 100,000 Texans died from prescription drug overdoses last year, most caused by abuse of illegally obtained prescription medications. The Drug Policy Alliance reports a 150 percent increase in accidental overdoses over an eight-year period in Texas.

Emergency room doctors report that of the drug abuse cases they see, more are due to prescription drugs than illegal street drugs and many people do not believe they are abusing drugs because they received them from their doctor.

Trafficking prescription medications is big business and obtaining the drugs is fairly easy for users and distributors. Popular methods include:
-Filing false police reports claiming prescription drugs were stolen so replacements can be obtained
-Altering handwritten prescriptions received from doctors
-Burglarizing pharmacies -- much easier than robbing banks
-Purchasing or transporting drugs from Canada or Mexico

The most popular method is through "doctor shopping," which was made a felony in Texas last year. Abusers see a number of doctors for the same or similar ailment and obtain prescriptions from each, filling the prescriptions at different pharmacies so no one notices the multiple orders.

As the level of prescription drug crimes skyrocket across the nation, Texas law enforcement officials, doctors and pharmacists are working together to stem the epidemic of prescription drug abuse. In the next legislative session, lawmakers will vote whether to require doctors and pharmacists to check a statewide database before writing or filling prescriptions for patients.

Opponents of the proposed law argue that patients' privacy will be compromised because law enforcement agents involved in drug investigations will also have access to the database. The Texas Department of Public Safety says the database information will help identify prescription medication fraud cases as well as assist with tracking abusers.

The proposed law may cause some difficulties for legitimate users of prescription medications. If you are arrested for drug possession or transportation, seek the help of an experienced lawyer who has knowledge about drug laws in Texas and New Mexico. A vigorous defense is needed whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony drug offense.

Article provided by Ellis & Ortega, LLC
Visit us at http://www.theortegalawgroup.com