PROVO, Utah—For Rock Simmonds, Springville, prescription drug abuse started with a snowmobiling accident that led to surgery on his shoulder and a narcotic prescription. The “buzz” he could get from prescribed narcotics eventually became a “buzz” he could almost not bear to live without. It almost took his life.
Prescription drug abuse is something Rock and most of his family deal with, and they are not alone. It is becoming more prevalent in Utah County and the surrounding areas. Rock’s story is unique, and he hopes it will discourage others from getting involved in prescription drug abuse.
In high school Rock’s construction job took a toll on his body. When he was really sore, he would call someone to see if they could get him something to ease the pain. He continued to do this and eventually got introduced to oxycontin—a narcotic pain killer.
“It was just a tiny white pill, but it was six or seven times the buzz. I got my hands on those anytime I could,” said Rock.
Rock eventually found a doctor who prescribed oxycontins. He would fill his prescription, use it and then refill and begin again. One night a friend invited him to get high. He had just filled his prescription and was ready to go. This night would be one Rock would never forget.
Rock’s last memory of that night before he woke up in the hospital a couple weeks later was of him popping a few more pills. Those pills led to an overdose which put Rock in a two-week coma followed by six months of re-learning even the basic functions of walking, talking and reading.
Rock was lucky to be alive. The long and frustrating therapy process led to his eventual recovery, marriage and two children.
However, “I wouldn’t recommend that for anybody, at all, ever,” said Rock. “It’s not worth it. Most people don’t get a second chance like I did, so don’t put yourself in that place that you have to get a second chance.”
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