Small Town News

New Spokane program sheds light on dangers of prescription drugs

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Each summer for the past four years, family and friends of Justin Haeger have gathered at Spokane Falls Community College to take part in a memorial run.

Haeger passed away in 2006 at the age of 22 from a methadone overdose, one of 308 deaths in Washington state that year attributed to the prescription drug. Another 102 people died in 2006 from oxycodone overdoses while 71 deaths involved hydrocodone.

Ron Haeger, Justin's father, said the family decided to launch the Justin C. Haeger Memorial 10-Miler as a way to increase awareness about the risks of prescription drug abuse.

"We want to bring the problem to light," Ron said. "People may -think just because it's a prescription drug from a doctor that if s safe -but if snot."

In 1999, the year Sally Aiken took over as Spokane County's chief medical examiner, there were 20 deaths in Spokane County involving drug use, including five from prescription drugs. The total of overdose deaths in the area rose to 134 in 2008 with 103 involving prescription drugs.

In the U.S., deaths from prescription drug abuse have now eclipsed the number of people who die in vehicle accidents each year.

"It doesn't feel risky - but it is very risky," Aiken said.

Last week, the Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council sponsored the inaugural presentation of Washingon Rx Watch, an educational program intended to shed light on the growing dilemma of prescription drug abuse. The four-hour presentation was held at CenterPlace in Spokane Valley and included representatives from law enforcement, treatment, local school districts and the tribal community. A handful of volunteers and citizens also showed up for the Aug. 27 class, designed to prepare attendees to provide similar, condensed renditions of the program throughout their respective communities.

Rx Watch was patterned after Meth Watch, another GSSAC-sponsored program that brings attention to the destructive effects of methamphetamine. The Meth Watch presentation educates retailers and residents to be aware of the precursor materials that go into producing meth as well as signs of possible drug use and production in their communities.

Linda Thompson, executive director of GSSAC, said the goal of Rx Watch is to educate the public and prevent future tragedies from happening.

"The people who are trained can deliver this presentation to teachers, Rotary clubs, PTA organizations and any group that is concerned with what's going on in our community," Thompson said. "The more educated our community is, the more impact we can have on all types of substance abuse."

One of the primary objectives of the presentation is to chronicle the physical effects of prescription drug abuse. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, abuse of opioids like OxyContin, Vicodin and Percodan can lead to fatal breathing problems. Sedatives such as Valium can cause seizures. Abuse of stimulants like Ritalin and Concerta has been known to induce seizures and cardiovascular system failure. Rx Watch also emphasizes the risks associated with prescription drugs and pregnancy. Opioids taken by an expectant mother can result in the newborn experiencing tremors, growth challenges, sleep deprivation and other side effects.

Ken Zigler is one parent who appreciates the efforts to get the word out about the risks of prescription drugs. His son, Tim, a sophomore at Ferris High School, passed away in March 2006 after taking 10 milligrams of methadone given to him by a fellow student. Since then, Zigler has been part of monthly presentations on the topic organized by GSSAC. He also hands out flyers and affixes his car with decals intended to warn and educate.

"I talk to everyone about what this stuff is doing," Zigler said. "I've got to feel like Tim's death wasn't for nothing. We don't want these kinds of things to happen anymore - we're sick of it."

Zigler applauded GSSAC's efforts to educate the general public about the crisis.

"I think the average person is still pretty naive about the problem, but the message is getting out," he said. "Ignorance is a horrible thing in a case like prescription drugs."

Treatment for abuse involving prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs has increased over the past several years. A number of treatment facilities throughout the country are now utilizing Suboxone, a medication designed to treat addiction to opioid-based drugs.

One of the keys in guarding against fraudulent distribution of prescription drugs is to make sure medications are safe. Local pharmacist Lee Funkhouser advised residents to store prescription drugs in a secure place like a digital lock safe.

"We're seeing family members get a hold of these prescription drugs," he said. "We need to educate patients about how to take drugs, keep them away from people and dispose of them."

The federal government has recommended that people dispose of their medications by putting them with a substance that won't be consumed like coffee grounds or cat litter and then discarding them into the garbage. Pill containers should not reveal any personal information before being thrown away.

Aiken has also addressed the role of doctors and pharmacists in protecting against prescription drug abuse. She described how the Medical Examiner's office tracks the source of medications associated with each overdose death. Suspicious cases are reported to the federal Drug Enforcement Agency.

"This is a growing problem," said Alan Zeuge of Spokane Community Services, who attended last week's meeting. "The entire community needs to stop and take a look at whaf s going on."



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© 2009 Cheney Free Press Cheney, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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