Drug Rehabs in Arkansas: Some States See Rise in Prescription Drug and Alcohol Abuse

States like Oklahoma and Texas are experiencing an increase in those abusing prescription drugs and alcohol. State officials are taking notice of the increase.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics has reported that there has been a 137 percent increase in the number of drug overdose deaths in the last decade. Almost 80 percent of those deaths are a result of prescription drug abuse. Oklahoma ranks among the highest in the nation for nonmedical use of painkillers.

Alcohol use has also been on the rise. Underage drinking cost the citizens of Oklahoma $ 0.8 billion in 2010. These costs include medical care, work loss, and pain and suffering associated with the multiple problems resulting from the use of alcohol by youth.

Texas has seen a sharp increase in prescription drug abuse among teen and young adults. The death rates for unintentional poisoning in Texans aged 15 to 24 more than doubled between 1999 and 2004. Most young people age 12 years and older, who abuse prescription narcotics, get their drugs free from family members or medicine cabinets in their own home.

State Representative Richard Morrissette of Oklahoma has said that the state needs to fund more drug and alcohol rehab centers. There are currently about 150 drug and alcohol rehab centers in Oklahoma. The number is considerably higher in the state of Texas, but both states have a smaller percentage of state funded addiction treatment centers.

Both Oklahoma and Texas have now implemented statewide prescription disposal programs in an attempt to reduce the accessibility of these drugs with minors. Individual communities are getting involved by offering additional programs. The Del City, Oklahoma police department has installed a prescription drug drop box for anyone needing to dispose of unwanted prescription medication.

With the growing epidemic, the number of overdoses and deaths are sure to increase. State officials urge anyone suffering from addiction, or know of somebody that is grappling with this disease to seek help. Some signs of abuse include excessive mood swings, Increase or decrease in sleep, increase or decrease in sleep, appearing to be high, unusually energetic or “revved up,” or sedated, and continually “losing” prescriptions so more prescriptions must be written.

Drug and alcohol treatment can be extremely effective. It is important that people undergoing treatment for addiction follow the program exactly as prescribed. Anyone who had completed a drug or alcohol treatment will need ongoing support to remain sober. As the recovering addict returns to normal life, many pitfalls threaten their sobriety. Having a strong support system can increase their chances of remaining drug and alcohol free.

Balonat – www.tanmarket.com – www.tanmarket.com

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