KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana |Rx drug abuse numbers up

Rx drug abuse numbers up

By Nick Guillory - email | bio | Twitter

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - It's been said that Michael Jackson might have been abusing painkillers. Investigators believe that could have helped lead to his death.

It's not just superstars who make headlines over prescription drugs. A staggering amount of Americans are abusing them, too.

Local rehab facilities have seen a dramatic increase in prescription drug abuse cases and the number may surprise you.

Oxycodone...Lortabs and Codene-popular painkillers now affecting more and more Americans.

Bill Rose has seen more cases right here in the Ark-La-Tex. "Lortab seems to be one of the biggest narcotic pain medications that we're seeing individuals abusing that come into our detoxing center," Rose said.

According to a DEA report, nearly 7 million Americans are abusing prescription drugs; that's more than the number who are abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, ecstasy, and inhalants combined.

The number is up 80 percent in just the past 6 years and misuse of the painkillers represents 3/4's of the overall problem with prescription drugs and nearly 1 in 10 high school seniors admit to abuse.

Doctors said people are turning to these drugs because they think the pills are less powerful than cocaine and marijuana.

As recent news tells you it can turn deadly. Shreveport Police have noticed the addiction right here at home.

"Because its legally obtained-they say oh well I don't have a problem it's a prescription medication--that's the big thing we do see a big current trend and a lot of prescription fraud."

Police did say one thing that has allowed them to put a stop to more cases is a database of everyone purchasing these meds.

More information from the DEA report: http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/prescription_drug_fact_sheet.html

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