Prescription drug abuse is increasing at an alarming rate in Indiana, according to a new state report released last week. Eric Wright, director of the Indiana University Center for Health Policy, which wrote the report, commented: "It's probably the most important emerging drug-abuse trend in Indiana, as well as in the nation."

According to the report, which was compiled from pubic data sources, approximately 7.6 percent of Indiana residents have abused prescription drugs in the past year, compared to a national rate of 6.2 percent. Of all age groups, 18- to 25-year-olds have the highest rate of prescription drug abuse in the past year, at approximately 16 percent. The national average for the same age group is about 12 percent.

(Source: www.indystar.com)

Labels: prescription-drug-abuse