Non-Medical use of Prescription Drugs

Sometime around 1998 and 2008, there was a 400% increase in the number of patients admitted into hospitals for the treatment of complications related to the abuse of pain relieving drugs. In 2007 alone, 28,000 individuals in the United State died of unintentional overdoses with around 12,000 involving the utilization of prescription opioid analgesics.

As indicated by a one-month statistic compiled in the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the number of people or individuals abusing medications is of incredible concern:

• 7 Million: Marijuana.
• 7 Million: Prescription drugs.
• 6 Million: Inhalants.
• 5 Million: Crack.
• 8 Million: Ecstasy.
• 6 Million: Cocaine.
• 5 Million: Methamphetamine.
• 2 Million: LSD.
• 2 Million: Heroin.

In West Virginia, statistics from 2009 regarding the treatment admissions for substance abuse demonstrate that sedatives, including doctor prescribed medications, are the most commonly abused drugs.

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West Virginia has tried to lessen diversion of prescription drugs and use of illegal medication.

A national medication studies coordinated in 2010-2011 demonstrated the rate of the percentage of the state population from 11 years and above using prescription pain medicines for non-therapeutic reasons going from a high of 5.38% (Oregon) to a low of 4.61% (Iowa).