"It's not a sin," was Pam's original way of thinking. "It's doctor approved. You can get it from your neighbor."

Mary graduated from drug court in August 2001. Pam is scheduled to graduate in September. Mary is continuing her rehab in a treatment program and works with volunteer groups.

What Mary saw in jail and in her treatment program were eye-opening. So far, it has been enough to scare her into staying straight.

There were 26 people in the beginning of the treatment program she was in after she got out of jail. Of those 26, four are now dead from overdoses and the remaining 22 are using drugs again, she said.

Now, Mary says, she can spot a Lortab abuser right away and she believes the problem is much more prevalent than what is being reported.

Crookston doesn't believe the solution is to put additional restrictions on Lortab. "It hasn't changed the availability of heroin," he said. "I think the vast majority of people are using these medications appropriately."

An increasing number of doctors have become wary about over prescribing Lortab, however. And some patients have to jump through several hoops before they can get the pills they need, Crookston said. "The solution is to have more treatment available for people who are developing a problem."

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E-mail: preavy@desnews.com