Recently, a former Delaware doctor was found guilty of supplying an oxycodone drug ring that resulted in over 7,000 illegal prescriptions.

Although instances like this are common in tv shows and movies, you would never think that something like this could happen in your own community. As the opioid epidemic continues to affect people in the United States, it’s imperative that prescription drugs are carefully managed.

At Banyan Treatment Centers Delaware, we understand how dangerous opioids and prescription drugs are when they’re misused. Many patients at our medically-monitored detox program in Delaware struggle with an addiction to painkillers and opioids. The majority of these individuals were legally prescribed these medications and eventually began to misuse them, creating a dependency. However, this case is slightly different. Former Delaware doctor Charles Esham was found guilty of unlawful distribution of oxycodone. The doctor was charged with supplying an oxycodone drug ring by distributing prescriptions to false patients who would then sell the drugs for profit.

Doctor in Delaware Supplies a Drug Ring with Oxycodone

This oxycodone drug ring began with Esham making an agreement with one of his patients, Lawrence Brinkley. Brinkley agreed to bring in people to act as “pseudo-patients” for the doctor’s oxycodone prescriptions.¹ Brinkley would pay Esham $100 per pseudo-patient, and the doctor would give these patients oxycodone prescriptions. They would then sell the drugs to others for profit. Esham was head of the drug distribution and worked with three other men in issuing and selling oxycodone. Each of them was indicted separately after pleading guilty to the drug charges.¹

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is an opioid prescribed for severe or chronic pain. It was developed in the mid-90s and was found to provide long-lasting pain relief. This resulted in a spike in oxycodone prescriptions, causing addiction in many of its users. People who are prescribed this medication usually begin to take it according to its direction. Unfortunately, the tolerance they develop causes them to use more of the drug more frequently, which can quickly lead to dependency. Like many other drugs, oxycodone is highly addictive and can be hazardous to the brain and body when misused or abused. The effects of oxycodone include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Feelings of pleasure or euphoria
• Problems breathing 
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Excessive Sweating 
• Itchiness 
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Low blood pressure

At our rehab center in Delaware, we’ve witnessed the effects of opioids, like oxycodone, countless times. Some of these people may have been overly prescribed painkillers and are now unable to stop using them. Unfortunately, a Delaware doctor was found guilty of supplying an oxycodone drug ring. But this is only one of the many factors that have influenced the opioid epidemic in the U.S. Luckily, we offer a residential treatment program in Delaware where patients can learn more about the contributing factors of their substance abuse and how to overcome them.

Addiction is a horrible disease that can be difficult for someone to heal from without help. Fortunately, our Banyan team in Delaware can help you or a loved one get sober. Call us now at 888-280-4763 to find out more about our addiction treatments and programs.

Sources & References:

1. DO- Local doctor sentenced to almost 6 years for supplying drug ring