San Antonio Express —
With Whitney Houston's recent death, rumors continue to spread about prescription drug abuse, and San Antonio-based medical consultant Robert Saenz says this is a good time to bring the issue to the forefront of both patients' and doctors' attention.

Saenz formed VIP Consulting 10 years ago after he observed people injured or affected by 9/11 being prescribed drugs for pain and anxiety with no questions asked.

Saenz has a background in law enforcement and is a graduate of both the Border Patrol and FBI National academies with 20 years of experience with the Department of Justice. At the time, he was director of international affairs for Texas U.S. Rep. Sylvester Reyes of El Paso.

But seeing there was need for more control over prescription medications, he began consulting with physicians who prescribed pain and anxiety drugs on the appropriate laws.

“We had great hospitals and great first responders,” said Saenz. “Compliance was really necessary, but it was quite lax.

“Some of the doctors have a totally surprised look on their faces when we tell them that prescription opioid abuse is the No.1 drug abuse in the country,” he said.

Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/health/article/S-A-expert-Monitor-patients-pain-meds-3346945.php#ixzz1n9t21Afc