In past blog posts, we've discussed how prescription drug abuse has quickly spiraled into a national epidemic. Yet it's on the state level that these problems are most directly felt, including a situation developing in the Palmetto State where officials are struggling to put a stop to this dangerous and increasingly common behavior. According to The State, a South Carolina news source, government officials aren't sure of how to stop the rising tide of pill addiction and some are claiming that parents and teachers need to do more to educate kids about the dangers of these products.
A recent report from the state's inspector general concluded that systemic problems are contributing greatly to the proliferation of prescription drugs. A voluntary registration system for pill filing has proven largely ineffective, with only 22 percent of physicians in South Carolina participating. Even those who are signed up are not prone to consistently updating it, meaning that anti-abuse experts in the state are unsure of where to begin addressing the problem.
"State authorities do not have a rigorous, systemic understanding of South Carolina's painkiller problem," Inspector General Patrick Maley wrote. "However, from ad hoc national data, South Carolina clearly has a significant problem that is likely worse than an average state."
The study contained other sobering facts about the Palmetto State's drug issues, including the fact that the amount of folks per capita with prescriptions is 33 percent higher than the national average.
It's vital for family members of those stricken with prescription pill addiction to get them the help they need before it's too late. Intervention Services can help schedule a drug abuse intervention with a trained professional to help remedy a tough situation. Contact us today to learn more.