Silent epidemic: Prescription drug abuse cause of many Montana deaths
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Montana ranks third in a national epidemic. Prescription drugs are a contributing factor in more than 300 deaths each year in the state, accounting for more deaths than traffic, methamphetamine, homicide, heroin and cocaine-related deaths combined. Montana isn’t alone, as this problem is evident beyond our borders as well.
According to Montana Department of Justice employee Judy Beck, substance abuse treatment admissions for prescription drugs has grown more than 400 percent in the past 13 years.
It is reported that Montana has the third-highest rate of prescription drug abuse in the country and more than half of individuals say prescription drugs are easier to get than street drugs.
According to the Montana Department of Justice Invisible Epidemic website, the drugs most commonly present in drug-related deaths in Montana are hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, and Fentanyl. Drugs such as Oxycontin, Percodan, and Percocet contain oxycodone, which treats pain, but is known for its long history of abuse.
In 2010, the Montana Prevention Needs Assessment tested sample groups of school-aged students throughout Montana. According to the study, of those sampled in Lake County, many admitted to using prescription drugs. The study shows that 19 percent of 12th grade students had used a prescription drug at least once, compared to the state percentage of 17.
Approximately ten percent of those students were using every 30 days, compared to the state percentage of seven.
In the tenth grade, approximately eight percent of Lake County students admitted to having ever used prescription drugs, compared to the statewide percentage of ten. Also, five percent of students use every prescription drugs every 30 days, both in the state, and Lake County. The numbers of use for the eighth grade is slightly lower, at six percent once or more, and approximately two percent every 30 days.
According to Beck, Montana ranks third in the nation for teen abuse of prescription pain relievers, which are the drugs of choice for 12-13 year olds.
According to the Invisible Epidemic website, parents should do certain things to help prevent their children from obtaining these drugs. First, parents should establish rules, always use medications as directed, and never share prescriptions. Also, children should understand that medicine used the right way can heal, but if used the wrong way, can kill. Invisible Epidemic also encourages parents to monitor quantities of all drugs at home.
Republican Tom Berry and Attorney General Steve Bullock recently introduced House Bill 83, which establishes prescription drug reporting requirements for patients and doctors.
“This would eliminate people from doctor-shopping for drugs,” Bullock said.
Doctor-shopping is when people go to various doctors to obtain numerous prescriptions for certain drugs. The problem is, doctors aren’t aware that other doctors are prescribing drugs to that same person, resulting in that person receiving a large amount of controlled substances, according to Bullock.
“It’s all about raising awareness,” Bullock said. “Our state ranks third in the nation for prescription drug abuse. That’s a number I don’t like Montana being.”
Bullock says the prescription drug epidemic has grown rampant during recent years, which is why HB 83 and take-back events are critical to combat this issue.
“Communities need to get their arms around this,” Bullock said.
House Bill 83 just passed its final reading in the Senate and was signed on April 21 by Governor Brian Schweitzer.
The Montana Department of Justice has fueled other efforts to raise awareness and educate communities. One of those efforts is Operation Medicine Cabinet, which offers locations for people to drop off unused drugs around the state. Last year on Sept. 25, Montana’s second statewide drug take-back day was held. According to Beck, more than 1,240 pounds of drugs were turned in.
“It was truly incredible how many people brought old and unused drugs in,” Beck said.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and local police held Montana’s first take-back day of this year on April 30. Locally, the Ronan Police Department set up drop boxes at Harvest Foods along with Family Health Pharmacy for the first take back event in Ronan history.
“This is the first year we’ve done this, so the main thing is to educate the community about how to properly dispose of unused drugs,” Ronan Police Officer John Mitchell said.
Mitchell says the town will need to hold a few “take-back” events to get the community involved and educated of the importance of prescription drug disposal.
Ronan Police Officer Jody Steele stated many people are improperly disposing unwanted drugs.
“Flushing drugs is a huge problem,” he said. “A lot of these drugs are really toxic and can pollute the water.”
The best thing to do is to bring the drugs to a location where they are certain to be disposed of properly, he says.
“We will weigh the drugs at the end of the day and then take them to Ravalli to turn them to the DEA, where they will destroy them through a furnace,” Steele said.
Montana’s fight against this issue is far from over. Even with these events and legislation soon-to-be in place, the reality is, is that Montana is still third nationwide in abuse.
“This issue is significant,” Bullock said, “it is critical that we raise awareness and get rid of (prescription drugs).”
