The misuse of prescription drugs in America is on the rise. For a country with just 5% of the world’s population, we consume our share of medications and then some – three-quarters of the world’s prescription drugs! And in 2010, enough prescription painkillers were prescribed to medicate every single American adult every 4 hours for an entire month. How do we end the Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic?
Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic
How do we end the Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic?
Most abused prescription drugs fall within three categories: painkillers, tranquilizers, and stimulants. In the past month, 6.2 million people have used prescription drugs non-medically. From this infographic, you can learn a little bit more about the people who abuse prescription medications: where they live (non-medical usage rates are highest in the West), where they got their drugs (mostly from friends and relatives), and the reasons teens cite for abusing Rx drugs (the #1 reason? They’re easy to find).
Please help us spread the word about prescription drug abuse by sharing this infographic with your friends, families, and readers. You can embed the graphic using the code in the box below, or click the social icons to share to Facebook, Twitter, or elsewhere.
Infographic by 12 Palms Recovery Center
Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic in America
The prescription drug abuse epidemic in America has far-reaching consequences, affecting individuals, families, and communities. With opioid misuse at the forefront, there’s a surge in addiction, overdose deaths, and related health issues.
Beyond the immediate health impact, societal strains include increased crime rates, strained healthcare resources, and a burden on social services. Additionally, the economic toll is significant, with costs incurred in healthcare, criminal justice, and lost productivity. Addressing this epidemic requires a multifaceted approach, involving improved access to addiction treatment, heightened awareness, responsible prescribing practices, and community support to curb the devastating effects and foster a healthier, more resilient society.
Current Efforts To End The Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic
Efforts to end the prescription drug abuse epidemic are underway, encompassing various strategies. Enhanced prescription monitoring programs aim to track and prevent overprescribing, curbing potential abuse. Increased public awareness campaigns educate communities about the risks and consequences of prescription drug misuse. Healthcare providers are embracing responsible prescribing practices, emphasizing alternative pain management strategies. Expanded access to addiction treatment services and medications like naloxone contributes to overdose prevention. Collaboration between law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and policymakers strengthens the comprehensive approach needed to combat this epidemic, fostering a collective commitment to mitigating the impact and promoting a healthier, drug-safe society.
About BHM Healthcare Solutions – www.bhmpc.com
BHM is a healthcare management consulting firm whose specialty is optimizing profitability while improving care in a variety of health care settings. BHM has worked both nationally and internationally with managed care organizations, providers, hospitals, and insurers. In addition to this BHM offers a wide breadth of services ranging including managed care consulting, strategic planning and organizational analysis, accreditation consulting, healthcare financial analysis, physician advisor/peer review, and organizational development.
Contact Us : results@bhmpc.com, 1-888-831-1171[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
