The Alarming Rise of Prescription Drug Abuse
Oklahoma is facing a “silent cancer” in the form of prescription drug abuse, so says the chief drug enforcement officer in the state.
“It isn’t always ugly or violent like the incidents frequently involving methamphetamine, heroin or cocaine,” Darrel Weaver, the Director of Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs said. “So rarely will you see it making headlines or featured on the nightly news. But prescription drug abuse has rapidly become one of the largest drug problems in the United States.”
In 2008 there were 613 drug overdose deaths reported in Oklahoma.
“Of those deaths one might think that methamphetamine and cocaine would rank highest among the culprits to end Oklahomans’ lives,” Weaver said. “But the startling and sober fact is 86 percent of those deaths were linked to prescription drugs.”
He said Oklahoma has witnessed a 76 percent increase in drug overdose deaths since 2001.
The increasing abuse of prescription painkillers and anti-anxiety medication has become the greatest source of this devastating problem, which is affecting other states equally. More and more people are relying on medications to regulate anxiety, depressions and other issues. In fact, there are more people addicted to prescription drugs than illegal drugs.
So I ask you this question. Does it make sense for a facility which purports to offer drug rehab in Georgia to dispense prescription drugs to the addicts they treat, the very drugs which account for the largest increase in drug abuse and addiction in our Country? I think not. A drug free program is the only way to beat addiction for good.
We know a number of effective drug rehab programs that can offer you or your loved one drug free rehab. Call us for a free referral today. We can help.
With regards,
Fritz Alders,
Managing Partner, Georgia Alliance