Prescription drug addiction can occur in any line of work, but when you’re a doctor, the addiction can be facilitated rather easily – often by using tactics such as prescription drug fraud.
For one prominent Denver Children’s Hospital doctor, Dr. Louis Hampers, the prescription pad proved too tempting. Hampers, who is the head of the emergency room, falsified prescriptions to the tune of 600 counts of prescription drug fraud, but he has only pled guilty to 14 counts. The painkillers obtained through the fake prescriptions were for his personal use.
Hampers faces between $3,000 to $30,000 in fines and 12 to 18 months of prison time. His sentencing will be held at 10 a.m. on May 29th, 2012, with U.S. District Judge Robert Blackburn presiding.
There is one silver lining in the Hampers’ case: the doctor has received treatment for his prescription drug addiction. After his August 2010 indictment, Hampers has been in a prescription drug treatment program. The program may be similar to the program at Vista Taos Renewal Center in New Mexico, where assistance for prescription drug addiction can help people from all walks of life get back on track.
As Hampers moves forward in his trial, his attorneys have requested that Hampers continue his drug treatment program outside of prison and that the doctor receive probation only at his May 29 sentencing. Prosecutors, however, wish for Hampers to serve time. The attorneys state that Hampers’ harassment of his ex-wife and of a television reporter aggravate his crimes.
Prescription drug fraud is a federal offense. Thankfully, the prescription drug addiction that often leads to the fraud is treatable. Call a rehabilitation center today for more information about how to kick an addiction. Vista Taos Treatment Center is staffed around the clock and can take calls with any questions at any time of day.
