Misuse of Prescription Medication is Epidemic
According to the American College of Preventative Medicine, the Misuse and Abuse of Prescription Drugs is Epidemic. The past two decades have witnessed an expansion of pain medication use, especially opioid use for patients who have chronic noncancer pain. 7 million people abuse/misuse prescription drugs every month; pain relievers = 5.3 million. We live in "a pill for every ill” culture. Nonmedical use of Prescription drugs is the defining drug problem of the new century. The increase in diversion of prescription drugs is fueled by: Increased advertising and advocacy Easy access and availability Stronger motivations to get high (such as to deal with problems, or work harder and longer) Safety perception that prescription drugs are less harmful than illicit street drugs Normalization of abuse of prescription drugs in teen culture Limited liability Lack of education High street value Pain Pill Patients Opioids are the most abused drugs in the ...