Insights & Information

Prescription painkiller abuse is on the rise, according to a Reuters article by Toni Clarke. Between 1991 and 2010, narcotic painkiller prescription use rose to 209.5 million from 75.5 million, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Prescription painkiller deaths have nearly quadrupled to 15,597, which is more than heroin and cocaine combined. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has increased its efforts to decrease prescription drug abuse by blocking prescription drugs on the black market as well as more thorough inspections of large wholesalers and drug stores. Pharmacies and drug wholesalers are closely monitoring who they sell prescription drugs to in fear of being raided and possibly closed down. People whose functionality and well-being requires painkillers are finding it harder to fill their prescriptions since the more strict approach has taken effect.