Rx Addiction Via Dentist

When the problem of prescription addiction is discussed, doctors are often named as potentially contributing to the problem, prescribing painkillers too freely or giving in to pressure from celebs to dole out pills that are likely going to be misused. But dentists are also sources of prescription pain meds and can fall into abusing their power.

Of course, most doctors and dentists are responsible and take their positions of power very seriously, endeavoring to help and not harm. But recently, an Ambridge, Pennsylvania dentist lost that focus and is now facing two drug charges involving 7,000 prescription pills, painkillers that he mostly ingested himself, according to court documents.

Hricik Drug Charges

John C. Hricik, 58, initially told state and federal drug agents that he took between five and 10 hydrocodone tablets daily, according to the Beaver County Times, eventually admitting it may have been 20 or more pills per day. The opiate hydrocodone offers morphine-like pain relief, and is highly addictive.

Hricik is charged with acquisition of a controlled substance by fraud and illegally dispensing, delivering or prescribing a controlled substance, both felonies, according to a complaint filed in District Judge Andrew Hladio's office on Jan. 4. Hricik was arraigned on Jan. 13.

The investigation was triggered by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration office in Pittsburgh, and charges were brought by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Narcotic Investigation and Drug Control, Beaver County Times reported. DEA Agent Lewis Colosimo had questions about Hricik's purchase of 7,000 hydrocodone pills from two Pennsylvania distributors between August 2008 and March 2010, according to the police complaint.

This latest arrest of a medical professional highlights the power of prescription addiction, and proves that even those who know the dangers best aren’t immune.

Prescription Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you love is battling a prescription drug addiction, call La Paloma at our toll-free. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.