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Last modified: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 3:11 PM CDT
Perspective on prescription drug abuse needs to change
by Jennifer Johnson • Daily News
Prescription drug abuse accounts for one-third of drug abuse in the United States, and everyone plays a role in it, said Jay Jaffee, chemical health coordinator at Minnesota Department of Health. Jaffee spoke to MeritCare staff in Wahpeton Tuesday to further expose the rampant abuse of pain relievers here and across the nation.
More than 50 million people have used psychotherapeutic drugs, often intended for psychiatric disorders, as a recreational drug in their lifetime. Nearly 35 million have used prescription pain relievers for the same purpose, he said. One reason behind the high usage level is easy access — over-the-counter drugs such as cough and cold medicine can be purchased anywhere and are easily stolen.
"A lot of people see these products as very safe because you can buy them over-the-counter," he said.
But high doses of the medicine can cause devastating effects, both during an overdose and coming off the drug. For instance, Dextromethorphan, found in Robitussin, can cause cerebral hemorrhages and stroke. Acetaminophen, one of the main ingredients in cough and cold medications, has been linked to liver damage. Jaffee recalled a story of an Oklahoma girl who took up to nine extra-strength Tylenol per day for three weeks to treat a toothache.
"She died of liver failure, strictly from taking huge amounts of Tylenol with acetaminophen," he said.
Despite the evidence, youth perception still holds that non-perscription drug abuse is safer than cocaine and many are seeking an edge in sports or at school, said Jaffee.
"I don't have to tell any of you that people want a quick fix," he said.
Marketing also contributes to the problem. A study published by the American Journal of Public Health this year states the company targeted the highest prescribers for opioids across the country and sales reps participated in a bonus system, banking a total $40 million in 2001. Sales for OxyContin that same year grew from $48 million in 1996 to nearly $1.1 billion.
Jaffee encouraged the group to focus on educating older adults and youth about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and control availability of the drugs at home. Families and friends also regularly pass off medication to each other without even thinking about it, but that has to change, said Jaffee.
"We've got to change that behavior," he said.
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