After reading your article titled "Prescriptions no check on drugs for some" in the Oct. 23 issue, I wanted to make sure people understand just how deadly the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs can be. In Florida, the medical examiner's office reports that three times more Floridians die annually from prescription drug abuse than from all illicit drugs combined. The use of a prescription drug that has not been prescribed is dangerous. When combined with alcohol, it can even be more dangerous.
The flippant attitude of the people quoted in the story is frightening-they would probably never think of using heroin or cocaine, but for some reason think prescription drugs are safe. When used as directed, they are safe and effective, but not when abused or misused.
I often talk with parents who have lost children to a prescription drug overdose, and would hate to talk to the parent of a Duke student who just wanted to stay up later or party more. It's not worth it.
Tiffani Sherman
Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force, Training Program
Trinity '95
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.