Painkiller abuse and addiction

Ritalin (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Prescription drug abuse is the use of a medication without a prescription, in a way other than as prescribed, or for the experience or feelings elicited. (www.drugabuse.gov) Many patients are hesitant to take opioid medications and many healthcare providers are hesitant to prescribe them, for fear of the patient becoming addicted. In order to reduce the risk of a patient becoming addicted to painkillers, doctors should screen patients for risk factors of addiction, including family history of drug abuse, abuse, neglect, past trauma or mental illness. Physicians should also monitor patients for signs of painkiller abuse and addiction.

Signs of painkiller abuse or addiction include:

• Frequent requests for refills
• Neglecting responsibilities and/or abandoning hobbies
• Drug use causing problems in relationship
• Built up tolerance to medication
• Taking medication to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms
• Loss of control over medication use
• Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Mood swings, irritability, lethargy

Preventing prescription painkiller abuse

If your doctor has prescribed painkillers to treat your chronic pain, take steps to ensure you are using the medication appropriately. Always follow the directions for use on the label of the medication, be aware of potential interactions with other drugs you may be taking, and never stop taking or change the dosage of a prescription painkiller without the direction of your physician.

Before you begin taking any medications, inform your doctor of any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, or dietary and herbal supplements you are currently taking.

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pain, Attorney wants delay in pain pill sentencing

This map shows the incorporated and unincorporated areas in Harrison County, Mississippi, highlighting Gulfport in red. It was created with a custom script with US Census Bureau data and modified with Inkscape. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

GULFPORT — An attorney is asking a judge to delay his client’s sentencing in a prescription pain pill case.

Attorney Brian Alexander says in court filings that he needs time to investigate allegations by confidential informants in a presentencing report.

Alexander represents Charles MacGeorge. Prosecutors say MacGeorge and Gail Owens were in their hotel room at the Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi when police found more than 374 pain pills in 2010.

Court records say the search of the hotel room happened after Gulfport police arrested a known drug dealer with 10 Oxycontin pills. He allegedly let police to Owens.

Owens and MacGeorge pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.

Sentencing was set for Jan. 23.

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