Sean Sutton's wife shares story
Addiction She hopes her family’s struggle can help others escape grip of prescription drug abuse

BY SONYA COLBERG

Published: April 13, 2010

Sean Sutton’s wife, Trena, talked with obvious pain Monday about the personal toll of prescription drug addiction.

Trena Sutton, wife of Sean Sutton and daughter-in-law of Eddie Sutton — both former Oklahoma State University men’s basketball coaches — speaks about her family’s struggle with addiction Monday during a Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Week news conference at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. Photo by Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman

"I am very humbled and I’m saddened to be standing before you today,” Sutton said, emotion clouding her voice at a news conference in the Blue Room of the state Capitol.

"Because I stand here not as an expert by any means, but simply somebody who has personally experienced the devastation that abusing these drugs can cause to an individual and those who love them.”

Her husband, a former Oklahoma State University men’s basketball head coach, faces four felony charges in connection with alleged attempts to illegally obtain prescription drugs. He was arrested in February, and his preliminary hearing is June 7 in Payne County District Court.

Trena Sutton made her emotional plea to fight prescription drug abuse, along with other speakers, at the launch of Oklahoma’s first Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Week.

When she was first asked to speak on the subject, she said, "No.”

But she and her husband want to share what they’ve learned so they could help someone else avoid the same journey, she said.

She said most addicts are seeking relief for pain and suffering.

"And because we’ve become a society of quick fixes, we accept the most expedient cure, and all too often this comes in the form of pills that are addictive,” she said.

"Don’t think that I’m standing here pointing fingers because I promise my husband would be the first one to say that the ultimate responsibility lies in the hands of the user.”

She urged spouses, parents and friends to help. She said everyone knows not to share prescriptions with anyone, but few realize sharing is illegal and harmful.

"Know your family’s history and be sure that your physician knows your family’s history,” she said. "Because those with a genetic predisposition to addiction, they have to be especially cautious.”

Sean Sutton’s father, Eddie Sutton, has acknowledged that he has alcoholism problems. His drunken-driving accident ended his job as OSU men’s basketball coach in 2006. Sean Sutton took over the position until he resigned under pressure in 2008.

Trena Sutton urged people not to share prescription drugs. She recommended that old prescription drugs be removed from bathroom cabinets to cut the risk of teens getting them.

Oklahoma is No. 1 nationally for nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers for people ages 12 to 17, Oklahoma Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Terri White said.

Sherri Coale, University of Oklahoma women’s basketball coach, said 30 percent of college-age students abuse prescription drugs.

"That’s absolutely mind-boggling,” she said. "And that doesn’t even include the steroid abuse that we see.”

Joe Grayson Jr., Cherokee Nation deputy chief, said the drug awareness program has tribal support.

"We know it’s a long fight, and we’re ready to stand with the state and the nation in ridding the populace of illegal drugs and fighting the use of prescription drugs,” he said.

He added that he was going home to check his medicine cabinet to get rid of old prescriptions. Oklahoma’s first statewide program to dispose of pharmaceutical drugs is Thursday in 26 locations.

Trena Sutton wrapped up the news conference.

"I’m just asking that everybody take a few simple steps to protect your loved ones from entering the grasp of addiction resulting from the improper use of these drugs,” Sutton said. "Please help us stop the cycle before it begins.”

Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control Director Darrell Weaver thanked her for her comments as she left the room.

"I love people with courage,” he said to the crowd in the Blue Room. "And you just witnessed courage.”