In Ohio, deaths from accidental drug overdoses kill more people than car accidents. The victims vary in age, race and socio-economic status. One thing they have in common, the Port Clinton News-Herald has reported, is that their addictions began as abuse of prescription medication.

Many victims didnt start with the needle, but with pills, often prescribed by a doctor for legitimate reasons. They slipped unwittingly into their addiction. Others swiped drugs from a relatives medicine cabinet, not realizing they would become slaves to the powerful narcotics. Once hooked, they learned to game the medical system to get their fix.

Communities are beginning to notice, and take action against, increased abuse of prescription drugs, but lack of funding makes it difficult. Yet, studies have found that every dollar spent on drug abuse prevention saves about $60 that would have to be spent on treatment.

Labels: prescription drugs, drug_abuse, painkillers

Posted By: Aspen/CRC