GREENVILLE, SC -- Armed robbers are targeting your local pharmacies, and they are still on the loose.
Deputies say at least three men are responsible for 5 armed robberies targeting CVS stores and a Walgreens in Greenville County.
Deputies say the pharmacies are often targets for people to get their drug fix or to make a quick buck on the streets.
7 On Your Side spoke with an addiction specialist who says prescription drug addiction is on the rise.
Tears fill Rosa Robinson's eyes as she talks about her battle with drug addiction.
Robinson says one night she and her daughter went on a drug and alcohol binge.
her daughter never woke up.
"She died of a massive heart attack taking Lortab and drinking, and I woke up and I feel guilty," Robinson said.
Robinson says she's been an addict for more than 30 years.
"You don't care about nothing but yourself and your means of how to use and that's it," Robinson said.
Phoenix Center of Greenville, Executive Director Adam Brickner says it’s that mentality that puts others in danger.
Brickner says it’s not unusual for addicts to turn violent to get their fix.
"There are a lot of collateral damages associated with addiction to opiates," Brickner said.
The problem, Brickner says there has been a major increase in prescription drug abuse, but there aren't enough places to go for help.
"We are seeing a lot of Detox facilities close down, recently one Anderson, Oconee County closed down, one in Spartanburg closed down, so unfortunately we are seeing fewer and fewer programs," Brickner said.
The Phoenix Center has a 2 to 3 week waiting list for its Detox program.
Brickner says there is no easy solution tight state and county budgets have hurt drug rehab programs.
"That's a huge policy issue as people demand that these services exist they will continue to be funded," Brickner said.
Robinson says she's an example of why these programs need to be funded.
"I know I'm at rock bottom I have to do something," Robinson said.
Brickner says if you keep prescription drugs in your home you aren't using bring them to a local drop off center, especially if you have teenagers.
http://www2.wspa.com/news/2012/may/16/prescription-drug-abuse-rise-upstate-ar-3806135/
Deputies say at least three men are responsible for 5 armed robberies targeting CVS stores and a Walgreens in Greenville County.
Deputies say the pharmacies are often targets for people to get their drug fix or to make a quick buck on the streets.
7 On Your Side spoke with an addiction specialist who says prescription drug addiction is on the rise.
Tears fill Rosa Robinson's eyes as she talks about her battle with drug addiction.
Robinson says one night she and her daughter went on a drug and alcohol binge.
her daughter never woke up.
"She died of a massive heart attack taking Lortab and drinking, and I woke up and I feel guilty," Robinson said.
Robinson says she's been an addict for more than 30 years.
"You don't care about nothing but yourself and your means of how to use and that's it," Robinson said.
Phoenix Center of Greenville, Executive Director Adam Brickner says it’s that mentality that puts others in danger.
Brickner says it’s not unusual for addicts to turn violent to get their fix.
"There are a lot of collateral damages associated with addiction to opiates," Brickner said.
The problem, Brickner says there has been a major increase in prescription drug abuse, but there aren't enough places to go for help.
"We are seeing a lot of Detox facilities close down, recently one Anderson, Oconee County closed down, one in Spartanburg closed down, so unfortunately we are seeing fewer and fewer programs," Brickner said.
The Phoenix Center has a 2 to 3 week waiting list for its Detox program.
Brickner says there is no easy solution tight state and county budgets have hurt drug rehab programs.
"That's a huge policy issue as people demand that these services exist they will continue to be funded," Brickner said.
Robinson says she's an example of why these programs need to be funded.
"I know I'm at rock bottom I have to do something," Robinson said.
Brickner says if you keep prescription drugs in your home you aren't using bring them to a local drop off center, especially if you have teenagers.
http://www2.wspa.com/news/2012/may/16/prescription-drug-abuse-rise-upstate-ar-3806135/
RSS Feed