Safe Doses Act

Senator Charles Schumer sponsored a bill back in March of 2012 with the intent to crack down on prescription drug theft.  Cayuga County, under the umbrella of the city of Auburn, has seen increasing drug abuse within recent years.  "Tranformations," a drug and alcohol abuse treatment center argues that the central New York state location and growing urbanization around the city of Auburn foster a "safe haven" for drug traffickers.  Drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are widely seen, but heroin, khat, MDMA, and methamphetamine are also circulated.  Correlating with the rise in drug abuse, drug-related crime has also risen.  Efforts have been made by administration, particularly to combat synthetic dugs, including a local law originally proposed by District Attorney Jon Budelmann passed September 25th making it illegal to sell or possess synthetic drugs (automatic year in jail and hefty fine).  

Support behind Schumer's bill which would essentially increase penalties and "give law enforcement agents the ability to use wiretaps and other tools to combat prescription drug rings."  After reading this article and browsing the commentary (presumably made by people who live in central New York), this law may help slightly, but doesn't seem to be a cure-all solution for the prescription drug problem that continues to steadily increase, keeping ED busier and busier.  In a rural area such as Cayuga County, the surrounding urban areas do provide easy access to illicit drugs which can be spread throughout the streets and college campuses.  I think that as a doctor practicing in a rural area with this type of demographic, its important to keep your patients educated about the harmful effects of drugs and the unknown consequences of purchasing drugs.  Many drugs, particularly synthetic drugs can be laced with components even more detrimental than the drugs themselves.  I think that although this law does not seem to be largely supported by those who live in the area, it is clear that something needs to be done about the steadily increasing drug problem, and that at least bringing it to the attention of those who live in Cayuga County is helpful.  The local synthetic drug law that was recently passed may prove to make a difference in synthetic drug use in Cayuga County, and I'll be interested to see if the statistics improve.  Its also important as a doctor to warn and educate patients about the prescriptions that you give them.  Taking the time to tell patients how the drugs are important for THEIR and only their health, and how correct dosages and usage is vital to the drugs working correctly.  Additionally, making sure that prescriptions are clear and cannot be tampered with, and perhaps having a system where pharmacies and doctor's offices can communicate about the writing of prescriptions and actual pickup will help eliminate that in between step where prescription drug theft may manifest.

Although the rates are currently rising, I think that education and awareness of the drug problem that is taking over Cayuga County can make a big impact.

References

"Auburn Substance Addiction Statistics."  http://transformationstreatment.com/new-york-drug-abuse-treatment/auburn-ny-drug-abuse-treatment/

"Cayuga County bans the sale, possession of synthetic drugs."  http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Cayuga-County-bans-the-sale-possession-of/Z5rnTfEcG0uBKhbg70faTw.cspx

"Cayuga County closer to new synthetic drug law."  http://auburnpub.com/news/local/cayuga-county-closer-to-new-synthetic-drug-law/article_a0fc786e-e22c-58e6-a814-59f05e9f6aed.html

"Schumer bill addressing upstate's growing prescription drug abuse problem clears hurdle." http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2012/03/schumer_bill_addressing_upstat.html

"Schumer Pushes for SAFE DOSES Act to Combat Drug Thefts." http://abcnewsradioonline.com/new-york/schumer-pushes-for-safe-doses-act-to-combat-drug-thefts.html