--- title: "Examining the Dangers of Over-Prescribing Opioids | CARMAhealth" description: "Examining the Dangers of Over-Prescribing Opioids Earlier this month, Manhattan Dr. Martin Tesher was convicted by a Brooklyn grand jury on 10 counts of…" canonical: https://carmahealth.com/blog/examining-the-dangers-of-over-prescribing-opioids source: https://carmahealth.com/blog/examining-the-dangers-of-over-prescribing-opioids mirror_of: carmahealth.com content_hash: sha256:87ef9b9cf4bdf018abaa3c5c57ea2b32358716e3a591b936646885b2b95f382f generated_at: 2026-07-08T23:20:17.555Z robots: noindex, follow --- Blog # Examining the Dangers of Over-Prescribing Opioids July 26, 2018 · CARMAhealth [All Articles](/blog) (image: Examining the Dangers of Over-Prescribing Opioids) Earlier this month, Manhattan Dr. Martin Tesher was [convicted](https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/medical-doctor-convicted-brooklyn-federal-court-causing-overdose-death-patient) by a Brooklyn grand jury on 10 counts of unlawful distribution of oxycodone without legitimate medical purpose. Over the course of five years, the 82-year-old Tesher wrote over 14,000 oxycodone scripts which totaled over two million pills at a collective estimated value of around $20 million. He faces a mandatory 20-year prison sentence. One of Tesher’s patients overdosed just two days after visiting the doctor. He also had his medical license revoked and is facing three separate medical practice suits. Tesher will be appealing the convictions and fully maintains his innocence. ## Over-prescribing Opioids Three weeks prior to Tesher’s conviction, South Florida physician Dr. Andres Mencia was [convicted](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/south-florida-doctor-convicted-participating-conspiracy-illegally-dispense-opioids-and-other) by a federal jury in Fort Lauderdale of participating in a conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. The charges included the unlawful dispensation of opioids and other illicit drugs. The evidence against Mencia suggested that he engaged in false consultations for cash-paying patients for the sole purpose of improperly and illegally writing prescriptions for opioids. Mencia and Tesher join Long Island physician Dr. Michael Belfiore who was [convicted](http://www.liherald.com/stories/merrick-doctor-convicted-on-26-opioid-two-overdose-death-charges,103442) in May on 28 counts relating to writing hundreds of illegal prescriptions, contributing to the death of two men in the process. Lastly, the Justice Department recently announced their intent to charge over 600 people, including physicians and other medical professionals, in a massive healthcare fraud and opioid abuse crackdown case. The recent uptick in enforcement may be a signal of heightened accountability for bad actors. America consumes an overwhelming majority of the world’s prescription supply, and abuse often begins at the doctor’s office. [Data](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180116144212.htm) from the University of Southern California shows that, while emergency rooms have curtailed the dispensation of prescription opioids, physicians’ offices still provide them at a consistently vigorous rate. Many states have started placing tighter restrictions on opioid dispensation within their borders. #### CARMAHEALTH TESTIMONIAL > This place was great for me my life has changed an I feel great now. Thanks Carma! **Joey Castillo** > Dr. Powell is amazing, as well as the staff. I would highly recommend this place to anyone. **Kate Penshorn** > Excellent mental health professionals in Austin!!! They truly care about their patients by offering first-class services!! **David B. Hutts** #### OPENING HOURS
Week Days8:00 – 5:00
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed
#### Austin: [512-212-4670](tel:512-212-4670) #### Florida: [754-800-6301](tel:754-800-6301) #### [OUR MISSION](#4bbbef964dc6042c0) CARMAhealth adopts a collaborative model of care that blends primary care medicine and behavioral health. We adopt a pragmatic, risk informed approach to care. Our goal is to create a medical home through the life span for our patients, their family and our community. ## Make An Appointment ### Contact our friendly and knowledgeable representatives to schedule your appointment and learn more about what we can do for you. [SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT](https://carmahealth.com/contact-us/) Keep Reading ## Related Articles [ (image: Ozempic: A Potential Anti-Addiction Drug?) July 25, 2023 ### Ozempic: A Potential Anti-Addiction Drug? Ozempic: A Potential Anti-Addiction Drug? Ozempic is a semaglutide medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity by… Learn more ](/blog/ozempic-a-potential-anti-addiction-drug)[ (image: Brixadi vs. Other OUD Medications) July 2, 2023 ### Brixadi vs. Other OUD Medications Brixadi vs. Other OUD Medications Brixadi is a new treatment option for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). It is an injectable form of… Learn more ](/blog/brixadi-vs-other-oud-medications)[ (image: Brixadi: A New Treatment Option for Opioid Use Disorder) July 2, 2023 ### Brixadi: A New Treatment Option for Opioid Use Disorder Brixadi: A New Treatment Option for Opioid Use Disorder Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic and potentially fatal condition that affect… Learn more ](/blog/brixadi-a-new-treatment-option-for-opioid-use-disorder) Take the First Step ## Start Feeling Like Yourself Again Whether you're exploring treatment for the first time or looking for a new practitioner, our psychiatrists are here to listen. [Book an Appointment](/new-patients) [Call (512) 212-4670](tel:5122124670) Accepting new patients · 15+ insurance plans accepted · Telehealth available