Accidental Overdose Deaths From Home

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In North Carolina, accidental drug overdoses are the second leading cause of accidental deaths in the state. More than two thirds of those overdose deaths involve drugs from the home. North Carolina has a tool to track prescription drug abuse and doctor shopping but many believe it is not used to its full potential.
It just got to where I couldnt stop taking the pain pills, said Sandy Hommel. It got to where every morning I would wake up, thats all I could really think about what doctor I was going to go to and what I was going to say this time.
The increasing prescription drug problem concerns many law enforcement officials in the state. The problem strains community resources on a daily basis.
I think its an epidemic, said Lee County Sheriff Tracy Carter. The addiction for some of these prescription pills is, in my own opinion, worse than a crack addiction.
In July of 2007, North Carolina started a prescription drug database. Since its inception, the program has tracked 46 million prescriptions and 2.7 billion doses of highly addictive prescription drugs in the state. Many in law enforcement are frustrated with the programs limited access. Only physicians, pharmacists and the State Bureau of Investigation have access to the information contained in the database. In addition, the program is a voluntary one with only about 20 percent contribution.
There is now vigorous debate of who is entitled to view the information in the state database.
Our issue is who has access to the database, said Sarah Preston, legislative counsel for the North Carolina chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. Theres already a lengthy list of people who can look at it, and I think its appropriate that doctors and pharmacists can have a look and make sure theyre doing the best thing for the patient, but as far as law enforcement, I just dont see that as being appropriate.


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At The Treatment Center, our passion is, simply, you. Our mission is to restore you and your families hope. We exist because we feel strongly about helping people overcome their drug or alcohol addictions in a safe, medically supervised and supportive environment. Our primary job is to help you get sober and stay sober restoring your hope in yourself and your future.

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