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Are “Crackdowns” on Prescription Drug Use Working? A Recent Survey Says Yes

When new regulations attempted to decrease prescription drug use, many wondered if it was a hopeless endeavor. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health has released shocking statistics that give America a glimmer of hope in the war against the prescription drug epidemic.

Lowest Numbers in a Decade

According to the survey, prescription drug use in 2011 was the lowest reported since 2002. The number of young adults aged 18 to 25 who abused prescription drugs decreased 14 percent. However, a reported 1.7 million young adults admitted to regularly using prescription drugs in 2011, making it obvious there is still much work to be done.Prescription drug use has spread across America in the last decade like wildfire. Users figured out how to cheat the system and con doctors into dishing out prescriptions for drugs like painkillers, muscle relaxers and tranquilizers. Some doctors even began freely handing out prescriptions with no medical necessity. When new regulations attempted to decrease prescription drug use, many wondered if it was a hopeless endeavor. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health has released shocking statistics that give America a glimmer of hope in the war against the prescription drug epidemic.

Lowest Numbers in a Decade

According to the survey, prescription drug use in 2011 was the lowest reported since 2002. The number of young adults aged 18 to 25 who abused prescription drugs decreased 14 percent. However, a reported 1.7 million young adults admitted to regularly using prescription drugs in 2011, making it obvious there is still much work to be done. Perhaps the most impressive decrease is in the use of painkillers, the most commonly abused prescription drugs. According to the survey, the amount of young adults who abused painkillers in 2011 was the lowest in a decade, making up only 3.6 percent of all participants surveyed in this age group.

A Step in the Right Direction

There is no doubt the actions taken to decrease prescription drug abuse are working. However, our country is still struggling with the prescription drug epidemic. The survey revealed the number of individuals suffering from painkiller addiction has grown from 936,000 in 2002 to a staggering 1.4 million in 2011. It is important our leaders continue working to decrease the use of these highly addictive drugs. Our resources should also be focused on helping the 1.4 million who are struggling in the grips of addiction. If your loved one is suffering from a prescription drug addiction, offer your support and encourage them to seek help. Perhaps the most impressive decrease is in the use of painkillers, the most commonly abused prescription drugs. According to the survey, the amount of young adults who abused painkillers in 2011 was the lowest in a decade, making up only 3.6 percent of all participants surveyed in this age group.

A Step in the Right Direction

There is no doubt the actions taken to decrease prescription drug abuse are working. However, our country is still struggling with the prescription drug epidemic. The survey revealed the number of individuals suffering from painkiller addiction has grown from 936,000 in 2002 to a staggering 1.4 million in 2011. It is important our leaders continue working to decrease the use of these highly addictive drugs. Our resources should also be focused on helping the 1.4 million who are struggling in the grips of addiction. If your loved one is suffering from a prescription drug addiction, offer your support and encourage them to seek help. (Photo via)

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