President Obama signs legislation to “crack down” on prescription drug abuse

Columbia South Carolina is leading the way in a national crack down on prescription drug abuse with its pilot anti-drug program marking a 43 percent decrease in the number of pain medications prescribed as described in a recent Tuesday May 24, 2011 The State news article titled “Senate Panel seeks answers to prescription drug abuse”.

The crack down is coming after a “Senate panel on Tuesday pressed administration officials and experts for answers to the growing problem of prescription drug abuse” reports The State. Senator Sheldon, who is a democrat from RI and chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on crime and terrorism, is reported to have said, "their (prescription drugs) abuse poses a serious and growing threat to our communities and young people".

The paper went on to report that Gil Kerlikowske, the administration's director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, told the panel that the “U.S faces an epidemic of prescription drug abuse”. He said “the pills were popular because they were easy to get and there was a low perception of risk”.

The State article went on to say, “Last month the White House announced plans to crack down on prescription drug abuse, including putting a priority on ridding the nation's medicine cabinets of outdated, unused medications. Kerlikowske said that nearly 75 percent of people who abused prescription drugs reported that they got painkillers from friends or relatives”.

The DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) has enacted a program they are terming the national "Prescription Drug Take-Back". The DEA is enforcing this program in all 50 states.

The White House has urged officials to step up efforts in the disposal of prescription drugs. President Barack Obama has signed legislation that would make it easier for consumers to get rid of unused medication.

The States article can be read in its entirety at: “Senate Panel seeks answers to prescription drug abuse”.

Columbia South Carolina residents and citizens experiencing addiction issues with prescription drugs or any other form of addiction are urged to contact one of the many treatment facilities which can be found at: Columbia Treatment Centers
or Columbia's AA Intergroup office.