A story on MSNBC made me think, which is always a dangerous thing. In it, they talk of a “epidemic” of teen deaths from overdosing on prescription medications. So, here’s my one question, one that the story didn’t even ask, much less answer: If prescription drugs are so tightly controlled, how could this happen?
Well, obviously, there’s not an easy answer. After all, since millions of people are addicted to drugs that are illegal, prescription drugs seem infinitely easier to get your hands on, right?
Of course, prescriptions are regulated heavily. Certain drugs, depending on what schedule they actually are, can only be dispensed in a 30 day supply. Others are restricted to 90 days. They’re only allowed to be refilled when it’s close to time to actually be refilled. Basically, regulation does all that it can to restrict this from happening, especially considering that it’s illegal to sell these meds as well. It’s even technically illegal for doctors to write prescriptions for people they believe are drug seeking. It’s not that hard for doctors to tell actually.
Of course, the parents are screaming “something needs to be done”. Any parent after something like that would do the same thing. However, where were the parents? Drug addiction gives up tell-tale signs. Failure to notice these is on them, and many just failed to notice what their kids were doing. However, these parents are wanting to blame someone else for their poor parenting skills.
In some cases, the parents did notice, and tried their best, but were unsuccessful. These are the parents who, when they scream that someone should do “something”, you have to really sympathize with. But that’s not enough. What isn’t in place right now that would have prevented their sons or daughter’s death? Nothing. Perhaps tougher enforcement? Maybe, but then the drug seeker will go after something that is far more dangerous than Valium.
One thing to keep in mind is that with the heavy regulations on prescription drugs, how on Earth does anyone think that the war on drugs is winnable? If so, I’d sincerely like to know how.
