PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE IN ARKANSAS

Hi Forum,

This article in The Villager Journal is a real eye-opener about the prescription drug issue in this State. It's clearly a big local issue as well. Take a look:

http://www.areawidenews.com/story/1664345.html

A part of the news story:

"It is no secret that one of the largest issues facing citizens of our area is the ever increasing abuse of prescription drugs and crimes that are related to either obtaining these drugs or selling them. For the first time, various locations in Missouri and Arkansas will take part in National Prescription Takeback Day.
This is the perfect opportunity for individuals and families to dispose of unused or outdated prescription drugs that remain in medicine cabinets and drawers within most homes. This program is also for over-the-counter drugs that are either unwanted or unused.

The nationwide effort is aimed at helping prevent the theft of unneeded prescription drugs from home as well as to combat potential abuse by those who steal, sell or abuse the drugs.

The following are some alarming facts provided by Arkansas Matters:

* Arkansas has the worst teen prescription pain reliever abuse problem in the entire United States.

* By the time Arkansas high school students have reached their senior year, 22 percent have abused prescription drugs.

*Close to 10 percent of Arkansas high school seniors reported non-medical use of prescription drugs in the past 30 days.

*The rate of past 30-day sedative use among Arkansas seniors is roughly three times the national rate.

*Arkansas sixth graders abuse prescription drugs more than any other substance except alcohol and cigarettes.

* Over-the-counter and prescription drug abuse is rapidly increasing in earlier grades and at a rate comparable to, but faster than, alcohol and cigarettes.

* Arkansas has consistently ranked among the 10 states with the highest rate of non-medical use of pain relievers by 12 to 20-year-old individuals since state estimates of this measure first began in 2002.

*Nationwide, prescription pain relievers have more first-time users than any illicit drug, including marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, inhalants, LSD, meth, heroin and PCP.

* Seven of the 10 drugs most abused by high school seniors are prescription or over-the-counter drugs acquired primarily from teens' friends or relatives."...