What Is a Pill Mill?
Legacy Healing Center Blog
It is no secret that the opioid epidemic has been sweeping the nation for years now. In fact, this problem has become so widespread that it is considered one of the largest ever public health crises in recent memory. But many people do not realize that a significant contributing factor to this epidemic are facilities known as “pill mills.” But what is a pill mill?
Pill mills are places where people can get prescription drugs without a legitimate medical reason. In most cases, pill mills are often run by doctors or other healthcare professionals who prescribe drugs, such as opioids, for cash. These prescriptions are often given without any medical exam or testing, and they are usually offered in large quantities.
Here at our rehab center, we want to educate you on the notion of what a pill mill actually consists of. If you or someone you love is struggling with some type of addiction to pills, getting help as soon as possible is the most important thing to do. Opioid addiction can be treated as long as you have the right group of professionals by your side who care about your health and well-being, and you will find that at Legacy Healing Center.
How Do Pill Mills Work?
Pill mill clinics come in all shapes and sizes, though law enforcement says more and more are being disguised as independent pain-management centers. These facilities tend to open and shut down quickly in order to evade law enforcement, even though the vast majority of pill mills in the U.S. are simply pain clinics that began overprescribing drugs for cash.
At first, they operated entirely out in the open, blurring the legal line on how many pain pills could be legally prescribed. The situation then got out of control with the illegitimate distribution of pain meds into the hands of the public. A pill mill doctor is described as such because these doctors literally “mill” out painkillers to the general public.
Do Pill Mills Still Exist?
Are you looking to find out, “Do pill mills still exist?” The answer to that question simply is yes. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, an estimated 7,500 pill mills still operate in the United States. These pill mills need to be exposed and shut down.
Back in 2010, pill mill doctors sold 500,000,000 painkiller pills in Florida alone, which is enough to give every Floridian several bottles of pills. While most of the devastation hit the state of Florida, it soon began to travel to other states across the country.
Millions of Americans are now hooked on opioids due to pill mills, and these individuals will each need help through addiction treatment.
Choose Our Addiction Treatment Center Today
Here at Legacy Healing Center, we strive to help those affected by opioid addiction. Even with prescription opioids, which are marketed as medically beneficial, an individual’s life is in danger if he or she becomes addicted to them. If you or a loved one are showing signs of prescription drug addiction, we urge you to reach out to us. Remember that you are not alone. At Legacy Healing Center, we will be here every step of the way on your road to recovery.
For more information about our levels of care and other therapy programs, call Legacy Healing Center today at (513) 586-4971.
Related Readings: