Not Another Sequel! “Drugstore Cowboy” Author James Fogle Arrested for Pharmacy Robbery (Again).

"Drugstore Cowboy" Author James Fogle

I have written about pharmacy robberies on these pages many times before, but this is a most interesting development…

Apparently Fogle and another man were caught mid-spree trying to liberate what has been described as “garbage cans full of drugs” from a Redmond (Washington) pharmacy.

For those who may not know (really?), James Fogle wrote what would become the critically acclaimed “Drugstore Cowboy” from his California prison cell in the 1970s. The book achieved some critical acclaim, and was later (in 1989) adapted for the silver screen by none other than Gus Van Sant.

I’m trying to decide what will be sadder, James possibly spending the rest of his life in prison, or the media using this story to obfuscate and confuse the recent surge in pharmacy robberies, which is fast-becoming one of the most serious aspects of the Painkiller Epidemic.

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More on Pharmacy Robbery at SWALLOW Blog:

• Ohio Has Twice As Many Pharmacy Robberies As Bank Robberies
• Central Florida Marks 50th Pharmacy Robbery This Year
• Pennsylvania Pharmacy Robberies on the Rise

For more on this story:

• Story: www.q13fox.com

My interview with Dr. Michael Stein, author of “THE ADDICT: One Patient, One Doctor, One Year”

"The Addict" by Michael Stein

I would like to thank Dr. Stein for granting me this interview,
which took place via e-mail. –Brian G.

• Buy the book
• About Michael Stein

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Swallow

Your treatment program, as discussed in the book, revolves around the use of buprenorphine. In your opinion, what would make someone who is addicted to painkillers a good candidate for this form of treatment?

Dr. Stein

I’ve found buprenorphine to be helpful for anyone interested in getting out of the drug chase, who is willing to commit to regular medical office visits over a good number of months, and is not abusing other substances such as cocaine, benzodiazepines or alcohol. While certainly not the answer for everyone, the long-term success rates with buprenorphine are as good or better than any other existing treatment for opiate users.