Approximately 70 percent of U.S. residents take some type of prescription medication every year, and the three most prescribed drugs in the U.S. in order of volume are antibiotics, antidepressants, and opiates, such as oxycodone, according to national law-enforcement statistics.
In southeastern Pennsylvania, the largest drug threat now comes from prescription drugs and heroin, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Opioids, such as oxycodone, now represent the most abused prescription drugs in the country. In 1998, 11.5 tons of oxycodone were produced worldwide. By 2010, 122.5 tons of oxycodone were manufactured, with more than 80 percent consumed in the U.S.
The dramatic increase has prompted law enforcement officials throughout the region to take steps to reduce the abuse.
On Tuesday, May 3, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan and Delaware County Councilman Dave White were joined by representatives from Acme supermarkets and Adapt Pharma to announce that all Acme pharmacies in Delaware County now carry Narcan® nasal spray, the lifesaving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
A drug user, a relative, or a friend can get a prescription from their family doctor to have in case of an emergency or they can use the Pennsylvania standing order, a prescription written for the general public by the Pennsylvania physician general. To access it, click here.
On Wednesday, May 4, at 1 p.m., Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan will be speaking at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg as part of a panel to address the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania. Hogan will be representing the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association.
In the meantime, police urge residents to take advantage of the increasing number of receptacles available at police stations for dropping off unused or unwanted medication anonymously. Doing so prevents the medications from getting into the hands of those who might abuse them, particularly children and young adults. In addition, it keeps the drugs from ending up in area waterways, which is another growing problem.
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