My characters have problems, big problems, as they should; we want to give our protags grief. Like Kevin, my pill-popping, patch-chewing anesthesiologist. I base Kevin and a host of other mentally-ill and addicted characters on my research, for behind every data point is a real live story.But the data came uncomfortably close this past week when a post-doc who studies the effects of drugs on the brain died after injecting buprenorphine ("bupe"), an opioid used as a "heroin substitute" for recovering addicts. The woman's boyfriend, also a post-doc conducting similar research, was arrested on possession. Both worked on my campus.
Last month, prescription drug abuse pricked my life when my pharmacist was arrested for distributing and using pain killers and tranquilizers. As someone expert in the abuse and diversion of medications, you'd think I might have noticed.
Prescription drug abuse is insiduous and hard to detect. There's reasons why users prefer prescription drugs: they aren't as dirty as heroin and other street drugs, they provide a reliable high, and they are available. Especially to the health professionals who prescribe, dispense, and administer controlled medications, and ther esearchers who study their effects. Addiction has many faces, most of them familiar to us all.
The tragedy of these two young people leaves me shaken, and determined to continue PURE.
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DON'T FORGET ===> BEG, BORROW, STEAL Book Giveaway! Time is a ticking!
Peace, Linda
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we put so much faith in these professional people that we seem to be shocked when they turn out as vulnerable as the next guy..proximity unfortunately makes it all to convenient, I know several instances of abuse by nurses, dentists and pharmacists..you don't have to look far to get factual data for your flawed characters..unfortunate but sadly true..
ReplyDeleteTo think of how prevalent this problem is - it gives me chills.
ReplyDeleteJai
One thing a writer can do is take up the pen to address problems effecting the society of their time. Most of the greats have done that, written tales that move the public to a broader understanding and, in many cases, real solutions. I commend you for taking up such an issue with your own work. I hope PURE may one day be a book that helps us, as a society, address many of the issues we now face. Having sampled your writing, I think it very well might be. Keep at it, and good luck!
ReplyDelete~jon
Too close and uncomfortable for me to address, because I worked in the health care system and know the drug abuses that took place by those who worked in it. Gillian
ReplyDeleteGlad this tragedy is spurring you on. This issue is so important. And a little too close to home.
ReplyDeleteYes, it feels strange when life is as strange as fiction. I don't know a single individual who hasn't been touched by addiction. Yet few talk about the problem, and even fewer do anything about it. I am very anxious how health care reform will be adapted to those with substance use and psychiatric disorders.
ReplyDeletePeace, Linda