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Prescription Drug Abuse – An Epidemic?

Prescription Drug Abuse – An Epidemic?

When Nikki at Vancouver Family Magazine asked me to write an article on prescription drug abuse, I was at a loss for words—something that doesn’t happen to me very often. How could my background in representing those injured by the fault of others qualify me to address such an important topic?  How could I string together sufficient words to form something intelligent and relevant to my practice?  How could I “tie it all together” and “bring it all back”?

Then it occurred to me; I didn’t have to.

Addressing prescription drug abuse is that important. It transcends me, my experience, and my practice. Sure I could stereotypically plead for your abstinence: “prescription drug abuse is no different than illicit drug abuse, and if you abuse drugs, you are not only endangering yourself, but you are endangering others.”  While this most assuredly is true, such a plea will do little to effect real change in our community.

The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently classified prescription drug abuse as a national “epidemic.” Although I knew generally what “epidemic” means, and maybe even used the word myself a time or two, I did what my mother and teachers always told me to, I looked it up:

                Ep·i·dem·ic adjective

1:            affecting or tending to affect a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region at the same time <typhoid was epidemic>

2a:          excessively prevalent

2b:          contagious <epidemic laughter>

3:            characterized by very widespread growth or extent: of, relating to, or constituting an epidemic <the practice had reached epidemic proportions>

That’s the magnitude of this often-overlooked problem—it’s epidemical.

Results from a 2009 drug survey indicate that over 70 percent of people who abused prescription pain relievers got them from friends or relatives—only 5 percent got them from a drug dealer or over the internet. This is a problem that is in our homes, in our schools, and in our churches. This is a problem that affects all of us regardless of skin color, economic status, age, gender, or profession. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of people aged 12 and over who use drugs, began by using a prescription drug non-medically.  One in five Americans report misusing a prescription drug at least once in their lifetime.

In an effort to reduce prescription drug abuse, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) instituted a prevention plan that includes action items in four major areas: education, monitoring, proper medication disposal, and enforcement. While the ONDCP advances on a national level, we can incorporate the same action items into our own homes:

  • Education: Teach our children that prescription drugs are just as dangerous as illicit drugs even though they may be prescribed by a healthcare professional and dispensed by a pharmacist.
  • Monitoring: A prescription drug abuser doesn’t need a “dealer” to get prescription drugs. Their instruments of self-destruction are often found in our own medicine cabinets and bathroom cupboards. If prescription medications are in your home, monitor them, track them, and protect them.
  • Proper Medication Disposal: If you once needed a prescription medication, but don’t need it any longer, dispose of it properly—don’t save it until you “need it” again. That is not what it was prescribed for.
  • Enforcement: If you suspect a family member may be abusing prescription drugs, take action immediately. Don’t wait until you are “sure” there is “a problem.”

Only by knowing a problem, an epidemic, exists are we able to protect ourselves and our families therefrom. Educate yourselves and your family, monitor needed prescription medications, dispose of prescription medications that are no longer needed, and take action immediately if you suspect a loved one is abusing prescription medications. Remember, “prescription drug abuse is no different than illicit drug abuse, and if you abuse drugs, you are not only endangering yourself, but you are endangering others.”

Scott Edwards is a resident of Ridgefield and a partner at the Vancouver law firm of Schauermann Thayer Jacobs Staples & Edwards PS. His practice focuses exclusively on representing persons injured by the carelessness of others. In addition to his work with Vancouver Family Magazine, he has authored a safety blog entitled "Make Safe" where he has written about topics aimed at making our communities safer.

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