Prescription drug problem and theft in Murfreesboro

Jun 03, 2015 at 02:00 pm by bryan


Prescription drug abuse continues to be a problem plaguing individuals of all types and from all different backgrounds. According to the United States Government, commonly abused classes of prescription drugs include opioids (for pain), central nervous system (CNS) depressants (for anxiety and sleep disorders), and stimulants (for ADHD and narcolepsy).

A local clinic on South Church Street in Murfreesboro called the police after realizing that a former employee had stolen and forged numerous prescriptions for Lortab and Phentermine. Phentermine is an appetite-suppressant drug and Lortab is used is treat moderate to severe pain.

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Warrants have been obtained for the suspect in the theft. Again, the employee no longer works for the Stones River Medical Group.

DRUG TREATMENT IS EFFECTIVE AND SAVES MONEY


Substance abuse treatment offers both a benefit to those who receive it and a savings to communities.

"The greatest savings is a reduction in the cost of crime for law enforcement, general healthcare costs, court and victimization costs and increased employer earnings," said Commissioner Varney. "And the gain can also be measured in lives saved from a premature death."

In 2010, Tennessee's 1,059 recorded drug-overdose deaths add up to an estimated 7,000 years of life lost, and a loss of earnings of approximately $238 million.

"We all pay a price when someone needing substance abuse treatment doesn't get the help they need," said Commissioner Varney.

Source:

MPD Incident Report #15-10800

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