Prescription and Nonprescription Drug Abuse Rates in the United States and the Way Forward

Prescription and nonprescription drug abuse has become a big health issue in the United State, and commonly fall under three categories that include pain killers (opioids), stimulants and depressants. Drug overdose was the leading cause of injuries leading to death in the U.S. in 2012. Gallup Survey [1], showed 50% of Americans are currently taking prescription medication; and nearly 90% of seniors admit taking prescription medication. Many risks factor or predictors that increase a person’s chances, especially youths to engage in drug overdose and abuse include availability, social access, low enforcement, peer pressure, history of tobacco, alcohol and other drug use, and reduced public perception that prescription drugs are safe to use regardless or irrespective of their dosage and or frequency. Among the objectives of this study is to define the term, nature and scope of the problem of prescription drug abuse in the United States; review academic literature on the topic as well as analyze related theories of drug abuse that include Labeling, Social disorganization, social control, Biological, Psychological, Sociological, Choice and Rational-choice theories. The mitigation strategies designed to reduce the incidents of drug overdose and abuse include: • Education of patients, parents and community on the drug abuse issues. • -Implementation of prescription drugs to identify signs of inappropriate use of controlled substances like prescription drugs. • Institution of prescription drug disposal (take-back) program to reduce the supply of unused prescription drugs Programs- • -Reliance on law enforcement to stop pill mills, through arrest, prosecution and sentencing/ imprisonment. • - Providing drug/ substance abuse program to hold healthcare providers accountable when they violate safe, ethical and effective administration and prescription of painkiller medications. The effective implementation of the above recommended actions and policies will eventually reduce the high rates of drug abuse and drastically improve public health standards and safety in the United States.