Physicians, pharmacists, and law enforcement agents from five counties gathered Tuesday night at the Southern Plains Medical Center to hear a presentation over the rising problem of prescription drug abuse.

The five speakers presenting were Rick Tucker, retired DEA; Harvey Jenkins, MD Pain Management Specialist; Chris Smith, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics agent; Shayne Melton, DA investigator; and LaVonne Monson, Oklahoma Healthcare Authority.

Presenters stressed the point of carefully prescribing medication. Over 55% of prescription drug abusers receive the medication from friends or family to whom the drugs are prescribed. “We have to minimize the opportunity for things to happen,” Dr. Jenkins said.

“We aren’t just protecting the individual, but also society,” he said.

Of the 505 overdose related deaths last year in Oklahoma, 485 were prescription drug related.

“Prescription drug use is an epidemic rather than a mere problem,” Melton said.

OBN agent Chris Smith stated, “By using common sense when prescribing medication, we can help to limit prescription drug abuse.”