Community Programs Take Aim at Prescription Drug Abuse

Without question the biggest challenge those in the addiction treatment field currently face is prescription drug addiction. Prescription drugs account for the majority of drugs of abuse (8 out of 14) at the moment and are destroying our country's young people. Many states are currently taking steps to combat the problem while claiming the top spot for prescription drug abuse among teenagers.

Treatment admissions for opiates increased over all 6% in the last year, prescription drugs accounted for 1/3 of the opioid addicts admitted. States like Tennessee and Maine are implementing programs to help curtail the mounting problems and skyrocketing prescription abuse treatment admissions. Sources say the main source for prescription drugs amongst teenagers is family and friends. States like Maine are rightfully targeting doctors.

5 Suggestions to Reduce Deaths Related to Alcohol and Drugs

Drinking and driving causes over 25,000 deaths a year.

Overall 100,000 deaths occur each year due to the effects of alcohol. According to the NHTSA web site there were 43,443 alcohol related traffic deaths in 2005 in the U.S.. As a comparison, AIDS claimed 18,000 lives in 2003.

So, what can be done to help reduce the number of overall deaths each year related to alcohol or other drug for both adults and adolescents?

Take an Alcohol Awareness Class or Minor in Possession Class Online

Here are the top 5 reasons this is a good idea:

1. Alcohol Awareness classes and drug education courses can be taken online vs. a classroom setting. This allows for ease of access and convenience. Quality online programs offered by licensed providers are also effective for those who may need to take a class for a legal requirement in addiction to simply prevention education

2. Online classes are available 24 hours a day and can be taken from any location in the country. Unlike an in person class, online courses are give the flexibility to study when you want. There is no reason to miss time away from work or school, the courses can be taken anytime.

3. Online programs are about 1/2 the cost of an in person class and teach essentially the same material. For some, a online class could be more helpful for comprehending the concepts and understanding the materials presented.

4. Any good program should come with a certificate of completion that can be both mailed and downloaded instantly. The certificate is a way for one's work, court, probation, school or family to know the course was successfully completed.

5. Online quality online classes will offer level 1, level 2 and level 3 programs in formats of 8, 16, and 24 hours. These online classes will be available for both Minor in Possession courses as well as standard alcohol awareness class education programs. Alcohol awareness classes and drug education is simply the only way to begin on the road to prevention. Many people have a misconception about what alcohol really does to the mind and body. Get the facts and start today. Lack of awareness leads to issues related to safety. When we have unsafe situations that transpire related to alcohol or other drugs this can lead to tragic or even fatal situations. Awareness is the key to change.

Drug Use Statistics

Drug use has increased every year for the past ten years. Also increasing are the number of individuals addicted to prescription medications, as well as the number of teenage and pre-teen drug abusers. But what truly are some of the statistics relating to drug use and/or abuse in the United States?

In two thousand and one United States citizens agreed to take part in a survey relating to drug abuse in the U.S. The findings were unbelievable in that over five million people in the United States were recorded to have a drug abuse problem, but were afraid or unwilling to attend a rehab program. Over one hundred thousand of these particular individuals stated that they tried to take part in a rehab program but were unable to.