Judge Arrested on Distribution Charges

The arrest of a Utah judge sheds light on a growing problem in the state. Prescription drug trafficking and overdoses have become increasingly common in Utah.

“It’s a big problem here in the state of Utah. I’d say we are up near the top in the country, and that’s unusual for substance abuse,” said Dr. Glen Hanson, director of the Utah Addiction Center at the University of Utah. “For almost every other drug of abuse, whether its tobacco, or alcohol, or cocaine, or heroin, we’re usually way down near the lowest in the country.”

Salt Lake City Justice Court Judge Virginia Bauskett Ward was arrested after being caught with 338 oxycontin pills she received in a package sent through the U.S. Postal Service. The DEA stated that Ward was allegedly going to pass them on to someone else, though it was not clear if she might be using them herself. 

Though other illicit drug use is very low in Utah – a statistic they should be proud of – there is still work that needs to be done to eliminate the damage done by prescription drugs. The first step in preventing the illicit use of prescription drugs is education.

Below, you’ll find a list of telltale signs of prescription drug abuse. If one of your loved ones exhibits these signs, please contact us so we may assist you in finding them the help they need.

Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse: 

• Poor coordination
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Agitation
• Impulsive behavior
• Weight loss
• Sweating
• Vomiting or nausea

For free drug education materials on the signs of drug abuse for all drugs, please call us today.