According to a February 7th article in the Columbus Dispatch the illegal prescription drug trade is becoming an epidemic in Ohio. This story is very consistent with the OF-1-MIND Opinions and Attitudes survey released last month by the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities. This survey shows that 22% of Ohioans believe that prescription drugs are the most serious drug problem in their community, second only to alcohol (38%).
We should all note that the two drug problems that were identified as being the most problematic in Ohio are, in most cases, legal. As America continues to spend more and more money trying to fight the drug war, enforce drug laws and incarcerate drug offenders we may want to take another look at our priorities. To date, the drug war has done a great deal to eradicate street drugs, but not enough to decrease drug-use. We are seeing more and more people switching from street drugs to prescription drugs which are often more accessible. What we need to be focusing our efforts and money on, is alcohol and drug abuse prevention, education and treatment. TREATMENT WORKS AND PEOPLE RECOVER.
To see the entire Columbus Dispatch article, please visit: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/02/07/OXYCONTIN.ART_ART_02-07-10_A1_HGGH7K4.html?sid=101
To learn more about OF-1-MIND and the Opinions and Attitude survey go to:
Have a great week!
Cheri L. Walter
Chief Executive Officer
