Prescriptions for Narcotics Up

[imported_elp6n]

Prescriptions for narcotics up in Ky. - Addictions- msnbc.com

I knew that there was a lot of prescribing going on, and a lot of unnecessary prescribing, but honestly I didn't realize it was to this degree:

Doctors are writing more prescriptions for drugs such as painkillers oxycodone, hydrocodone and the antidepressant Xanax to patients across the state, the report released Wednesday found. Five counties ? Bell, Clinton, Magoffin, Owsley and Whitley ? all averaged more than four prescriptions for controlled substances per resident in 2007.

[MikeJones]

They need to bust some Doctors. This prescription stuff is rediculous.

[The_Sage]

Those numbers are phenomenal. It makes me wonder how many of those medications are actually taken by the people subscribed to and how many of those pills are sold. I've heard of elderly people asking for 'pain killers' b/c they have been asked to do so by family members.

[Biggin]

It's such a tricky process. There are people who need them, and use high dose painkillers to get by. But there are also numerous people faking injuries and the such to get high dose painkillers.
There is no real reliable test to run to find out if people really need the drugs, so its always gonna be a judgement call.
Doctor's pride themselves on treating patients, and some dont mind to overprescribe because it brings in tons of money from drug companies and insurance agencies.

[Jason]

There definately are people that need them and the people that sell or abuse the meds are making it harder for the ones that really need it.