Prescription Drugs: System Manipulation Improves Access

Several celebrities have died due to prescription overdose: Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger, and possibly Corey Haim--just to name a few.

How do these stars receive so many prescriptions? The answer is simple--Doctor Shopping.

In order to rack up on prescription drugs, they visit various doctors for the same condition and receive multiple prescriptions. Frequently they request medication for anxiety, stress, depression, and pain. Furthermore, they use various pharmacies in order to stay undercover.

Corey Haim's case has caused a light to shine on the practice of doctor shopping. He had over 500 prescription drugs within 1 year. Some dangerous drugs within his possession includes: Xanax, Soma, Vicodin, Valium, and Oxycontin.

Only 34 states have monitoring systems in place to detect prescription drugs usage; however, their effectiveness and the overall structure of the system varies from state to state.

Therefore, doctors are encouraged to use precaution when prescribing medication and administer addiction and urine tests when possible.

It is also important to note that stopping doctor shopping is unlikely to significantly decrease prescription drug abuse. Many people obtain drugs commonly used in overdose cases from drug stores (over the counter), the Internet, and even dealers.