The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released details of a new report indicating treatment admissions for prescription pain relievers has risen 430 percent from 1999 to 2009. This epidemic has taken over the country and has increased in every region in the country with the highest increases in the states of Maine, Vermont, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Arkansas, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
The report indicates that the rate of substance abuse treatment admissions has remained stable during this period of time however, these drugs have become the number one choice of addicts seeking treatment. These drugs pose a serious concern for the country overdose deaths have risen significantly and has surpassed traffic related deaths as a cause of death as well. The magnitude of the epidemic is significant and has prompted serious debate over control of opioid based prescriptions.
