For those who suffer from an unfortunate prescription drug addiction, looking for ways to gain access to specific drugs is not an easy task. Indeed, an addiction is an addiction-and getting "a fix" is often more important than where and from whom they get it from. For addicted individuals, it's almost impossible to control the urge to use, no matter how hard they try. They either get it from fellow drug-users, dealers on the streets, friends, or even their home bathroom and kitchen cabinets.
But what about those who get prescribed drugs from their personal doctors; that is, those who "doctor shop" their way through the access of prescription painkillers that may potentially cause physical harm or an overdose. States nationwide have reported that doctor shopping has influenced many prescription drug addicts to find their drug of choice at clinics and medical facilities. For this reason, the use of PMP, or Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, has been implemented has way of filtering these shoppers-who are considered 'patients' and not criminals-in finding proper addiction treatment for those who are abusing.
To be clear-"What exactly are PMPs?" PMPs are programs led by prescribers that help accumulate detailed information about the prescription history of individual patients, for which to gain insight on who is receiving abusive drugs and medications, which specific drugs are being prescribed (and to what degree), and last but not least, how many times they're re-filling the same drug from doctors or providers state-wide. This information is used solely as a tracking system. The goal is not to persecute these individuals and punish them judiciously, but rather, filter out which ones being overly-prescribed, and understand why. Are they suffering from an addiction to painkillers? Do they need professional assistance? If necessary, medical providers will step in and help provide proper addiction treatment by confronting the user, and determine whether or not it is the appropriate course of action.
Some of the drugs being "red-flagged" are under the category of "Schedule II" medications, including methamphetamines, as well as painkillers like oxycodone, and morphine. Indubitably, these painkillers-as well as others-have strong addictive qualities on the body as well as the mind, which according to addiction specialist and law enforcement, need to be better moderated and supervised by medical facilities.
It's important to mention that PMPs are innovative medical tracking systems that aim to get the general public out of harm's way from addictive substances and medications. Several states have reported an increase in opioid-related deaths, which to no one's surprise, has only recently surpassed the amount of deaths from car accidents-once the leading cause of unintentional death in several states. However, fatal overdoses on prescription drugs for non-medical use are now becoming the leading causes of unintentional deaths, such as in states like Rhode Island and Connecticut. For that matter, PMPs are designed to allow clinicians to consult patients about their drug addictions and self-destructive behaviors, and pave the way toward finding a well-suitable drug rehab center.
Now, instead of people running from the law and getting into deeper trouble-that only worsens their addiction problem but adds more psychological distress-clinicians and counselors can discuss these issues at a personal level. Addiction after all, is a disease, not a crime.
If you are someone looking for a comprehensive addiction treatment program, one that will guide you through Detox, relapse prevention techniques, withdrawal, and provide after-care services, then A Center for Addiction Recovery is the ideal drug and alcohol rehab center for you.