Prescription Drug Abuse in Nebraska
Prescription Drug Abuse refers to the use of narcotic pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives for reasons not prescribed by a doctor. Recent data indicates that prescription drug abuse, particularly opioid, known commonly as pain killers, has increased at an alarming rate over the last 10 years and ranks second (behind marijuana) in illicit drug abuse among adults and youth.
According to the White House Drug Policy, prescription drug abuse calls for immediate action.
- In 2002, 6.2 million Americans were current abusers of prescription drugs;
- 13.7 percent of youth between the ages of 12 and 17 have abused prescription drugs at least once in their lifetimes;
- Emergency room visits resulting from narcotic pain reliever’s abuse have increased 163 percent since 1995.
- Approximately 1.9 million persons age 12 or older had used OxyContin (pain reliever, like morphine) non-medically at least once in their lifetime.
While other drugs declined from 2003 to 2005, prescription drug abuse is on the rise in Nebraska. According to the Nebraska Youth Risk Behavior Survey:
- In 2005, 4.0 percent of middle and high school students reported taking pills or shots without a doctor’s prescription one or more times during their life as compared to 3.6 percent in 2003.
Prescription drug abuse is complex and involves an intricate web of factors. Often times an individual will start with a legitimate prescription. The drug then takes affect, offering relief. This in turn can lead to an increased dosage and, if not addressed, the mind and body become dependent upon receiving more and more of the prescription, which of course denotes addiction.
