Letters: Painkiller abuse has many costs

Regarding "Painkillers: How the crisis hits home on Long Island" [News, July 11], in addiction treatment circles, there has always been a fine line between the need for legitimate pain management and the drug-seeking behavior of the experienced drug user. Often able to fool even the most seasoned addiction-treament professionals, an addict "on a mission" can usually fare even better with the unsuspecting, compassionate and eager-to-help primary care physician, who has most likely not had sufficient addiction training or related experience.

Some progress has been made of late, yet much more remains to be done if we are to have a permanent impact.

Local organizations such as Communities of Solutions, a Suffolk County coalition of residents and officials, are moving effectively by bringing all the related stakeholders together in an effort to address the issue in earnest.

Richard Buckman, Dix Hills

Editor's note: The writer is a social worker and substance abuse counselor.
 

I don't know how addicts are able to get prescriptions for painkillers. We average people find it very difficult to get our doctors to prescribe painkillers when we need them, because of the abusers.

Responsible doctors don't issue prescriptions as easily as Newsday suggests. Addicts are out there shopping for doctors without scruples.

It's hard enough to get a prescription now without causing a good doctor to be even more afraid to give their patients painkillers when needed. Most of us do not abuse our prescriptions.

The problem lies with bad doctors and the addictive personalities who shop for the bad doctor.

Dolores Murphy-Gallaer, Smith Point
 

You should also highlight the victimization of those who are in relationships with painkiller abusers. I was such a victim and didn't realize the man I was with was addicted until my home was in foreclosure and my bank accounts had mysterious debits.

I am losing my home now, had to file bankruptcy and had to leave my life of craziness behind. I basically just walked away after eight years. My ex was in treatment for two-plus years and even had his doctor fooled that he was clean. You wish everyone who is an addict will get well.

Along with addiction comes a world of shady people. I am actually in a safe house so as to not be found by my ex and his drug-abusing circle.

Candace Lendemer
 

It seems amazing, with the crisis on Long Island today, that virtually every school in Suffolk County does not screen for drug users in their hiring process, even though it is perfectly legal.

It's even more amazing that not one elected or appointed official is willing to speak out about this. Please, let's not let politics trump doing the right thing.

Phil Enright, Port Jefferson Station