Treatment for prescription drug abuse and addiction surged 321 percent in 10 years, according to federal statistics. Stephen Pasierb, president and chief executive for the Partnership for a Drug-Free America says this abuse is fueled in part by a low perception of risk.

"'There's a very low social disapproval. In fact, there are parents who are almost relieved that their kid is using Vicodin and not smoking marijuana,' he said."

Prescription drug monitoring legislation exists in 38 states, and some states offer pre-addressed, postage-paid envelopes for people to mail in unused medications for proper disposal. Still, the efforts seem to be making little headway in curbing this latest substance abuse trend. Source: Reuters

Labels: abuse, addiction, prescription_drugs