Prescription drug abuse is the leading cause of death in San Diego. Over the last decade, the number prescription-drug related deaths have shot up 85%.
Think about that. The average San Diego citizen is more likely to die from prescription drugs than car crashes.
This may be due to the increase in prescriptions themselves. As the following video explains, the number of pills distributed to San Diego pharmacies have almost doubled, rising from 675,000 in 2007 to 1.1 million in 2008.
However, evidence shows that the majority of abusers obtain these pills not from physicians, but from family and friends. While there are cases of careless physicians, those who abuse the drugs tend to be those actively seeking it. The patients who use their pills legitimately have a very low risk of psychological addiction.
What Can You Do?
Teen Prevention and Awareness
As you can probably guess, a high percentage of those who are actively seeking a high are teenagers. According to the 2008-2010 California statewide survey, 17% of 11th graders and 13% of 9th graders reported they had used prescription painkillers to get high at least once.
Parents constantly worry about the safety of their teens on the road, but underestimate the risk in their home medicine cabinet. Parents are hyper-aware that teen car accidents are highest among any age group, but they often forget that adolescence is also a time of explorationan—an exploration that can lead them into the dangerous territories of addiction.
Teens are more likely to abuse pills because they assume prescription drugs are safer than illegal drugs. Various studies show a higher chance for addiction the younger a person starts. For this reason, teen awareness and prevention is critical to the future scope of prescription drug abuse.
No Sharing Policy & Safe Disposals
Another effective prevention tactic is simply not to share your medications with anyone else, especially if they are controlled substances, such as Oxycontin or Valium.
Another is to dispose of unwanted and expired medications properly. After all, 76% of nonmedical users report getting their drug from someone else. Learn how to dispose your medications properly or drop them off at a site near you. See here for a list of Bay Area Disposal drop-off sites.
Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse
Despite every precaution you may take, addiction can still happen. However, treatment is available, and recovery is not just a pot at the end of the rainbow.
With a quality team and effective program, Duffy’s has helped thousands recover from both drug and alcohol addiction. Learn more about us and how Duffy’s can help you on the road to a lasting recovery.