DATABASE WILL HELP PREVENT PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

Governor Bob Riley signed a bill last week to create a statewide database that would significantly hinder people who obtain prescription drugs for illegal purposes from several doctors at once.

It's known as "doctor shopping" and is a rampant problem in our county.

"It's sad to say but there's not many homes in this county that have not been touched by prescription drugs such as Oxy Contin and Xanax," says Sheriff Grover Smith.  "The new database will be very helpful."

This database can be accessed by physicians inquiring about other substances that have been prescribed to their patient, and pharmacists would be able to know if the drug had been prescribed by more than one doctor.  Law enforcement officers that are working on prescription drug abuse cases can access the database, which will save time.

Before the bill, the officers would have to subpena records from every pharmacy.  With the new database, what would take a month, now only takes a few minutes.

"We're really glad to see this bill go through," says Keith Hutchins of the Drug Task Force.  "Every step that is taken to prevent this problem is needed."

The normal rate for a pill of Oxy Contin ranges between $40 to $80 on the street.  With the new steps taken to make these pills harder to acquire, the outrageous price on the street corner will indefinitely rise.

Currently, 20 states have this prescription drug monitoring program designed to stop abuse.