The number of Americans abusing prescription drugs nearly doubled from 7.8 million in 1992 to 15.1 million in 2003, according to the report [from Columbia University's National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse]. Prescription-drug abuse also has become more widespread than abuse of illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin and hallucinogens combined, which numbered 12.3 million in 2003.
The most popular prescription drugs were opioids, which are painkillers such as OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet. ... Partly to blame for the increase, Mr. Califano said, is the widespread availability of prescription drugs on the Internet. In 2004, the research firm Beau Dietl & Associates found that only 6 percent of Web sites selling prescription drugs required a prescription.
The number of 12-to-17-year olds abusing prescription drugs increased 212 percent in the 11 years CASA examined, while the number of adults abusing prescription drugs increased 81 percent, according to the study.
"For many kids, the family medicine cabinet has become a greater temptation and a greater threat than illegal street drugs," said Mr. Califano, who served under President Carter as the secretary of health, education and welfare. He said many young people assume prescription drugs are safe because they are "a good clean pill in a nice clean bottle."
But in 2002, controlled prescription drugs were responsible for 29.9 percent of drug-related emergency-room deaths.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Prescription Drug Abuse Takes Off
Use of prescription drugs like OxyContin is increasing. Here's a good summary, from the Washington Times:
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Substance abuse is a devastating disease that affects millions of individuals and families. Find the right addiction program for yourself or a loved. It will be the first day of the rest of their or your life.
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As my baby boom generation begins to receive AARP mailings more and more each year and is approaching free coffee at McDonald's, the question of prescription drug abuse rears its ugly head in the government's latest check on emergency room visits. Inspectors found that, in 2004, almost 64,000 people 55 years of age and older visited the emergency room of local hospitals for prescription drug abuse.
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Brukewilliams
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
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