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PrescriptionDrug AbusePrescriptionDrug AbuseAn Amer ican Epidemic

40Number of people who dieevery day due to narcoticprescription drug overdose.

There are 3 types of prescription drugs that are commonly abused:

Next Steps

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Monitor ingSupport efforts to increaseprovider use of PDMPs.Encourage reportingof suspected abuse or theft.

EnforcementCreate systems ofaccountability for doctorsand prescribers. Establish standards for safe andeffective prescribing.

Educat ionTeach parents, youthand all patients about therisks and dangers of abuse.Train prescribers to followsafe and appropriate dosages.

35Number of states with PDMPprograms in the U.S.13 others are setting them up.

Prescription drug monitoring programscan help fight this epidemic. PDMPsencourage data-sharing to trackprescribing, so doctors know wheredrugs are going. When PDMP programs wereused in emergency rooms, 61% of patientsreceived no or fewer opioid medicationsthan originally planned.

-Opioids: painkillers like Vicodin and codeine-Depressants: drugs that treat anxiety and aid sleep, like Valium or Xanax-Stimulants: drugs used to treatADHD, like Adderall and Ritalin

To take these next steps , we must ca l l for strong publ ic health funding .