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Drug Addiction Board Director Reacts To Governor’s Plan
By: Connor Briggs
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Drug addiction specialists in Southeast Ohio are cautiously optimistic of a new plan announced by Governor John Kasich aimed to curb prescription drug abuse.
Kasich announced the plan to limit the prescribing of painkillers through emergency rooms in Ohio hospitals.
Members of Kasich's cabinet say they believe pain pills are being overprescribed by emergency room doctors.
Executive Director of the Athens-Hocking-Vinton Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board Earl Cecil says he is optimistic of the new plan.
"I think it will help some. I think there are some people who get prescriptions through the emergency room that are probably gaming the system. So, it will help some," said Cecil.
The new protocols will recommend against prescribing pills for chronic pain and to encourage ER doctors to be on the lookout for fake IDs.
Cecil says he feels this is a step in the right direction but still fears black-market sales.
"To be quite honest, without a commitment to treatment, people who are addicted will find some way to satisfy their addiction," said Cecil.
Ohio saw a record number of drug overdose deaths in 2010.