Anderson 1

Trisha Anderson
Jennifer Courtney
English 2010
July 3, 2015
Prescription drug abuse steadily rising
Utah is known for its beautiful scenery and the best snow on earth but there is a dark side
to this state that is not heard about enough. This is the increasing numbers of people who are
struggling with prescription drug abuse. Utah is in the top ten for highest drug overdose mortality
in the country. It is important to learn what prescription drug abuse is, its effects, risks, options
for treatment, and the statistics in our community.
Many individuals go to the doctor and are prescribed medication and it is taken as
instructed, but some people find out that the medication gives them a feeling they simply just do
not want to go away. They then crave that feeling or effect and begin using the medicine in a way
that is not intended or take the medication without a prescription. This is what is called
prescription drug abuse.

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Many people are struggling with this addiction every day. It goes unnoticed to many
people. Prescription drug abuse is referred as the silent epidemic. (Harvin, Weber 423). In the
past decade Utah has seen a 400% increase in deaths associated with misuse and abuse of
prescription drugs, making prescription drug overdose one of the leading causes of injury and
deaths in Utah. (health.utah.gov)
Although many different kinds of prescription drugs are abused the most common are
hydrocodone, OxyContin, Percocet, Morphine, Xanax, Valium, Ambien and Ritalin. (Wulffson
1). There are many risks that come along with taking these medications improperly or when not
prescribed. Some of the risks include slowed breathing, choking, fatal seizures, coma and death.
(ulife.org)
The effect of each medication varies but there are some common effects for all different
types of substance abuse. Some of them include depression, anxiety, irritability, relationship
issues, and legal problems. Effects are unpredictable and vary from person to person.
Drug abuse puts a lot of stress on parents, brothers and sisters, grandparentsanyone
who is part of the home. Family members might fight a lot because of the problems the drug
abuse is causing. The drug user might do and say things that upset neighbors and friends, and
make the family ashamed. Some people who are addicted don't believe that they are sick and out
of control, so they don't look for treatment. They don't see the problems they are causing
themselves and those around them. Other people who are addicted are aware of the problem, but
may be so upset and confused that they do not know how to ask for or get help.(Drug abuse hurts
families)

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There are varied options for treatment in Utah. Some of the options include treatment
centers such as Odyssey House, Turning Point and the Haven; twelve step recovery programs
include Narcotics Anonymous, Pills Anonymous, and various treatment options sponsored by
local churches.

Narcotics Anonymous World Services

Pills Anonymous World Services

According to a Deseret News story published in March of 2007 a federal study of painkiller

use found Utah led the nation in nonmedical use of prescription drugs in 2004 and 2005, with 6.5
percent of the population using drugs without a doctor's order. (Utah No. 1 in Prescription Drug
Abuse). Utahs prescription drug abuse problem is indicative of a larger national epidemic of
drug abuse.
Per the Talbott recovery website the following statistics were cited from various sources.

In the U.S. alone more than 15 million people abuse prescription drugs
Nationally 52 million people over the age of 12 have used prescription drugs non

medically in their lifetime.

54.2% of prescription drug users get them free from a friend or relative.
Medical emergencies resulting from prescription drug abuse increased 132% over the

last seven years, with opioid involvement rising 183%.

The United States makes up 5% of the worlds population and consumes 75% of the

worlds prescription drugs.

Most abused prescription drugs fall under 3 categories: painkillers 5.1 million;
tranquilizers/depressants 2.2 million; stimulants 1.1 million.

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By survey, almost 50% of teens believe that prescription drugs are much safer than

illegal street drugs

The number of women who lost their lives to opioid pain reliever overdoses rose 415%
between 1999 and 2010 (compared to 250% for men)

The statistics above shed light on a growing problem, not only in Utah but in the nation as
well. The problem exists in people of all ages, races, and religions. Statistically the problem is
getting worse not better and is affecting people younger each year. One does not have to look far
to find someone affected by this problem either personally or indirectly through a family
member or friend. Treatment options are available for those that are seeking a resolution to their
problem.

Works Cited

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"Drug Abuse Hurts Families." Drug Abuse Hurts Families. National Institute on Drug Abuse, n.d. Web.
07 July 2015. <http://easyread.drugabuse.gov/effects-family.php>.
Harvin, Andre, and Robert J. Weber. "A Primer on Prescription Drug Abuse and the Role of the
Pharmacy Director." Hospital Pharmacy 50 (2015): 423-28. CINAHL Complete. Web. 2 July
2015. <http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.libprox1.slcc.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=18&sid=bf47af68abbb-40a0-9bc662f859d72af6%40sessionmgr4005&hid=4203&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU
%3d#db=ccm&AN=2013017716>.
Narcotics Anonymous. N.d. Http://www.sandiegona.org/na-graphics/, n.p.
"Overdose Death Rates." Overdose Death Rates. National Institute on Drug Abuse, 01 Feb. 2015. Web.
07 July 2015. <http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates>.
Pills Anonymous World Service. N.d. Pills Anonymous.org, n.p.
"Prescription Drug Overdoses." Health.utah.gov. N.p., 2014. Web. 5 July 2015.
<http://www.health.utah.gov>.
Roget, Nancy A., and Fisher L. Gary. "Substance Abuse." Encyclopedia of Substance Abuse
Prevention, Treatment, & Recovery. Los Angeles: In Gale Virtual Reference Library. SAGE
Publications, 2009. 1-100.EBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 2 July 2015.
<http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.libprox1.slcc.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=2&sid=4c3ca037-32c0-4c3aa966-ce6cad31ecae%40sessionmgr4001&hid=4203&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU
%3d#db=nlebk&AN=474383>.
"2015 Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics." Talbott Recovery. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 July 2015.
<https://talbottcampus.com/index.php/resources/disease-info/2015-prescription-drug-abusestatistics/>.
"ULifeline: Mental Health Resources for College Students." ULifeline: Mental Health Resources for
College Students. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 July 2015. <http://www.ulifeline.org/>.

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"Utah No. 1 in Prescription Drug Abuse." DeseretNews.com. Associated Press, 06 Mar. 2007. Web. 05
July 2015. <http://www.deseretnews.com/article/660200893/Utah-No-1-in-prescription-drugabuse.html?pg=all>.
Wulffson, Robin L. "Substance Abuse." Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health. N.p.: Salem,
2015. Research Starters. Web. 2 July 2015.
<http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.libprox1.slcc.edu/eds/detail/detail?sid=4c3ca037-32c0-4c3a-a966ce6cad31ecae%40sessionmgr4001&vid=1&hid=4203&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU
%3d#db=ers&AN=94415561>.