Hi LA Times Reporter,
Firstly and frankly, thank you so much for doing your part in perpetuating the discussion which I hope will lead to the obliteration of rx abuse. I have lost (as in dead) numerous friends overdoses and suicide stemming from their rx addictions. Not only to Oxy, but also Xanax, and Methadone to name a few. It is terribly obvious (to me at least) that these drugs cost our society far more than we could ever hope to benefit. I hope that more people will start to realize the price we are paying for this "service."
In my unprofessional, yet educated opinion, NSAIDS are far better at reducing actual pain, where opiate based painkillers more or less get you high enough to reduce the perception of pain, along with the rest of reality. Yes, there are instances of which I could agree that opiate-based rx painkillers are necessary, such as in cases of terminal illnesses and conditions, but these instances are relatively few and far between considering the propensity for prescription, their production, and their general availability.
I have worked in "the industry," both as a patient representative at a hospital and as a valet at a night club. Both of which had nearly the same amount of oxy flowing through them on the daily. It seems that there are many correlations one could draw between the two, eg. the supplier/distributor kick-back culture between doc/big-pharma and dealer/plug. Same shit, different name. It makes me feel that there are forces in play that are not talked about in public. Loose lips sink ships kind of thing. Although it is not so openly discussed, there are kickbacks by paramedical companies to docs that peddle their dope, but its FDA approved, so it's ok, right? Nobody says shit though because its business as usual and nobody likes a snitch, especially when they are all rich enough to STFU and get a slap on the wrist for breaking the rules, getting caught, and keeping the real crime on the hush.
What really gets to me is that the FDA has approved oxy for use by children. I mean COME ON!!! I am under the impression that it is only for certain instances of extreme pain and terminal illnesses, but what is keeping this from spiraling out of control? When the need for the prescription is open to interpretation and some doctors are straight up money hungry prostitutes we will have a ton of kids hopelessly addicted to opiates, and it makes me very sad to think that there are docs that would do whatever it takes to line their pockets as long as it is all legal. We need to put a stop to this immediately. It cannot continue, or before long kids will get prescribed oxy for a broken arm, a twisted ankle, or a migraine headache. "Oh you stubbed your toe? Welcome to addiction."
It happens more than you think. Here is a link to an article about a doc that just got popped in Reno dumping a ton of oxy on the streets on the daily: http://www.rgj.com/story/news/crime/2016/05/11/9-indicted-pill-mill-case-nevadas-drug-problem-skyrocketed/84262428/
As long as big-pharma, docs, and lobbyists operate with impunity, I will ask, beg, plead to those with the ability to make a change for a positive impact and eradicate these minified, yet potent demons from the hands of the innocent. Pain is a part of life. Live with it or live with a life altering addiction that will likely lead to the exploration of alternatives in times of short supply. So no to drugs, for yours and your children's sake.
What can I do to help make the change we so desperately need? What are the possibilities of oxy ending up like legal weed where it is altered slightly to create a legal for sale chemical compound? How do we stop that? How can we make a significant impact now? Because, we don't have time to let these evil-doers to gain more footing and destroy more good people/children.
Regards,
a concerned citizen