Pain Patch Pusher?

Who’s responsible in the case of a drug overdose? The person who abused the drugs in the first place? The person who provided the drugs? Does it make a difference if the drugs were given away or sold? These are question that are being tested in a Massachusetts court this month as a woman stands trial for selling prescription painkillers to a friend who ultimately overdosed on those drugs.

The prosecution asserts that in late 2005, 44-year-old Dawn Cote sold 10 patches of the powerful painkiller Fentanyl to her 32-year-old friend, Carlen Robinson, who then overdosed on the drug.

Further complicating matters is the fact that the victim was a healthcare worker who would have likely been aware of the dangers of the drug. Despite that, Cote faces a possible conviction on drug distribution and involuntary manslaughter charges. Drug addicts will often ingest the gel found in pain patches to get a more powerful high, but Cote’s defense attorney insists there was no way his client could have been aware that the victim planned to misuse the medication in this manner.

Drug Abuse Treatment

If you or a family member is struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs, today is the day to make a change. Call La Paloma at our toll-free number, 877-345-1887. Someone is here to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.