On Jan 5th Minnesota officials weighed in on the fight against prescription drug addiction by launching a statewide database that will track the sale and distribution of powerful pain killer drugs like Oxycontin and Vicodin and other drugs with high potential for addiction. Doctors, Dentist and pharmacists can employ the Minnesota Prescription Monitoring database in helping uncover habitual recipient’s addictive drugs. 

Minnesota joins 33 other states in the fight against prescription drug addiction, unfortunately this will not police the doctors reporting of anyone who may be suffering from prescription drug addiction or at the least abusing the drugs. Minnesota has more than 100,000 prescription drug abusers. 

Vicodin is likely the most abused prescription drug in Minnesota, partly because it is easier to get than always popular OxyContin and in not just in Minnesota based on my experience. Both are pain medications and highly addictive.

The Minnesota initiative is a step in the right direction however; many doctors and pharmacists are the culprit and many states officials are taking note of that as well. Pain management clinics means drug dispensary to many suffering from addiction. These are often considered by many as ‘pill mills’. 

In Florida these ‘pill mills’ are being looked at as dangerous by Florida officials who are taking further measures. Lt Gov Jeff Kottkamp is taking a gigantic leap in his responsibility overseeing the Governor’s Office of Drug Control and calling for the states first state wide Prescription Drug Task Force meeting today.

According to the Florida Governors office of drug control six people a day die from prescription drug addiction and overdose. Florida’s pain clinics now being referred to as pill mills are responsible for the flood of pain killers and anti-anxiety drugs into the area with a new pill mill opening every three days in Broward County.

While again these are steps in the right direction until the source of the prescription drug is held accountable these scenarios will continue. If you or someone you love would like to report suspicious activity or need help please contact a counselor at www.addictionwatch.com