Prescription Drug Abuse | Pain Clinics, Painkillers and Murder!

Municipalities all over the state of Florida are currently adopting guidelines within each city to handle the proliferation of pain clinics and “Pill Mills.” Research indicates that wherever one of these two exists, prescription drug abuse isn’t far behind.

We believe that no matter what zoning and other laws are adopted, those who are operating illegally or unethically will surely find a way around the system. The only cure is for the abusers to know that when they are caught the penalties will be both swift and significant.

Take for example the case of Dr. Sergio Rodriguez. Recently, Dr. Rodriguez was indicted on 18 charges that range from first-degree murder to trafficking and selling various prescription painkillers. Rodriguez is accused of prescribing oxycodone to three individuals who subsequently overdosed and lost their lives. All were adults but here’s the rub – Dr. Rodriguez is a Pediatrician. His practice was called the “Children Plus Health Center” and records show that he had staff privileges at hospitals in Hollywood, Pembroke Pines and Hialeah! It is our hope that when Dr. Rodriguez is found guilty that he will receive the stiffest of penalties.

Some may read this and accuse us of “Doctor bashing”, but that is an unfair assumption. As a nation we are well aware of the fact that the unethical physicians get “press” more often than the ethical ones! That is true for attorney’s too, just look at the Scott Rothstein case! Laws are enacted and subsequently enforced to protect the public against those who would use their position in an unethical and egregious way.

From our perspective these issues need to continue to be brought to light and those who are found guilty should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and receive the harshest of penalties allowed by such. There is an overarching principle should govern all of us – there is a better chance of making people responsible when they know they will be held accountable. All of us are responsible for our own actions. And that is something which we should not take