Abuse of prescription opioids, ie: pain medications, is the number one drug problem for Tennesseans receiving publicly funded assistance for treatment services. Over the past decade, substance abuse admissions for prescription drugs like: hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and methadone have increased 500%.
"As of July 1, 2012, the number of admissions in our state for prescription drug abuse exceeded admissions for alcohol abuse for the first time in history," said E. Douglas Varney, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS).
According to a 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 4% of Tennessean's over the age of 18 and approximately 12% of 18 to 25 year olds reported using pain relievers recreationally in the past year.
TREATMENT IS EFFECTIVE AND SAVES MONEY
Substance abuse treatment offers both a benefit to those who receive it and a savings to communities.
"The greatest savings is a reduction in the cost of crime for law enforcement, general healthcare costs, court and victimization costs and increased employer earnings," said Commissioner Varney. "And the gain can also be measured in lives saved from a premature death."
In 2010, Tennessee's 1,059 recorded drug-overdose deaths add up to an estimated 7,000 years of life lost, and a loss of earnings of approximately $238 million.
"We all pay a price when someone needing substance abuse treatment doesn't get the help they need," said Commissioner Varney.
Source:
Mike Machak
Director, Office of Communications
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services