Prescription pill abuse a big problem in Jeff. Co.

JEFFERSON COUNTY - by Lauren Huet The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office says prescription pill abuse is one of the biggest issues the county deals with, and deputies are seeing more DWI's during the daytime because of it. Although law enforcement shut down pill mills in Jefferson County about four years ago, they can still be found only a short drive away. "It's an ongoing matter," said Deputy Rod Carroll. "We've shut down the pill mills here in Beaumont and Jefferson County, as well as Louisiana has done their job in shutting down the pill mills. The problem is they still have them operating in Houston and the Baytown area." Southeast Texans are driving to pill mills, where doctors will readily prescribe drugs. "They'll go down to certain doctors that will automatically prescribe the Vicodin, the Soma, the Hydrocodone," said Deputy Carroll. "These individuals, through their networks, know which doctors are less scrupulous." Carroll said some people start taking the pills while driving back to Jefferson County. Others are beginning to assign a designated driver to avoid detection by law enforcement. "A lot of them are now altering their patterns," said Carroll. "Especially the ones out of Louisiana will now have a designated driver with them, so the moment they get their pills they can go ahead and start taking them." He says they're looking for a particular drug cocktail. "The cocktail is a Vicodin, Soma, Hydrocodone mixture. They'll go down there and get a 60 day supply, and then bring it back to this area. They'll be using it themselves as well as selling them," said Carroll. Carroll says because of prescription pill abuse, deputies and officers are now arresting more people for driving while intoxicated during the day. "Just on a regular basis we're seeing more and more accidents involving prescription medication," said Carroll. "We're seeing DWI's where people are being called in that are under the influence of prescription medication." Southeast Texas parents say the thought of driving on the road with prescription pill abusers makes them uneasy. "It's not good for our community," said Kacy Ellis, a mother of two small children. "A lot of us are raising families here, and have kids in the car while we're driving, and it's just not safe and makes me a little more nervous on the road." Another mother, Kristin Dodson agrees. "It's very concerning," said Dodson. "I think they should keep a closer eye on the doctors." An ongoing problem that doesn't just affect the person taking the pills. "Anytime someone gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, and they're under the influence of any substance from alcohol, to prescription medication, they're not just endangering themselves, but the general public," said Carroll. "And that sad truth is, generally speaking, it's the individual that's innocent that gets injured more seriously." Carroll says, even if you are prescribed medication by your doctor, if you take it and drive while intoxicated, you can be arrested. If you see anyone driving while intoxicated, call 9-1-1.