Pill mill

Pill Mill

A Pill Mill is a term used to describe a doctor, clinic or pharmacy that is prescribing or dispensing powerful narcotics inappropriately or for non-medical reasons. Pill mills are often an integral part of a larger opioid epidemic, contributing to the addiction and overdose deaths of a significant number of people in the United States.

Overview

Pill mills are typically characterized by a number of features. These include the dispensing of drugs without a legitimate medical examination, the absence of a proper medical diagnosis, and the frequent prescribing of an unnecessary amount of pills. The drugs most commonly involved are opioids, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxants.

Legislation and Enforcement

In response to the opioid epidemic, many states have enacted legislation to regulate pain management clinics and discourage pill mills. These laws often require clinics to be owned by physicians, to be registered with the state, and to undergo regular inspections. In addition, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has increased its efforts to shut down pill mills and prosecute those involved.

Impact on Public Health

Pill mills have a significant impact on public health. They contribute to the high rates of addiction and overdose deaths associated with prescription opioids. In addition, they can lead to an increase in drug trafficking and related crimes in the communities where they operate.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing the establishment and operation of pill mills is a key component of addressing the opioid epidemic. This involves a combination of law enforcement, regulation, and public education. In addition, treatment for those addicted to prescription opioids, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), is an important part of the response to this public health crisis.

See Also

• Opioid epidemic
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Medication-assisted treatment

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Pill mill

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  Pill mill in Jasper, Alabama, 2015
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  Customers of a Florida pill mill run by Jeff and Chris George wait in chairs on the sidewalk