In the News

As Prescription Drug Abuse Rises, U.S. Re-Examines Drug Policy

War-on-Drug The increase in prescription drug abuse in the United States is forcing the government to re-examine its emphasis on trying to stop shipments of illegal drugs into the country, The New York Times reported recently.

A shift in the nation's drug policy would have an effect in Mexico and Central America, the article notes. Some experts say money currently spent on fighting illegal drug shipments could be instead used to bolster courts and prosecutors' offices, which could lead to long-term stability in those countries.

Adults Over 50 Often Ignore Prescription Drug Warning Labels

Drug-Warning-Label- Adults over age 50 often ignore prescription drug labels that highlight key safety information, a new study suggests.

The researchers say the labels should be redesigned and placed in a more prominent place to prevent dangerous medication errors. The warning labels include instructions such as, "Do not drive while taking this medication," or "Avoid smoking while taking this drug," the Los Angeles Times reports.

Report Calls Substance Abuse a Growing Problem Among Older Americans

senior with medicine Substance abuse is a growing problem among older Americans, and the nation's health care system is not prepared to adequately address the need, according to a report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

Up to one-fifth of Americans over age 65 have substance abuse or mental health conditions, according to the report by the IOM, an independent government advisory group.

Substance abuse appears to be increasing among this group, according to Dr. Dan Blazer, who headed the IOM committee that issued the report. Accidental and intentional misuse of prescription medications among the elderly is a particular concern, the report notes.

Bill Aims to Reduce Teen Abuse of Cough Syrup

cough medicine Two senators introduced a bill designed to prevent the abuse of cough syrup by teenagers.

The bill restricts the sale of products containing the cough syrup ingredient dextromethorphan (DXM) to those older than 18, Drug Store News reports.

Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Senator Lisa Murkowski of Arkansas sponsored the measure, known as the Preventing Abuse of Cough Treatments (PACT) Act of 2012.

Opana’s Popularity Illustrates Challenge of Tackling Prescription Drug Abuse

Opana2 The rise in popularity of the painkiller Opana illustrates the challenges facing law enforcement authorities, addiction specialists and pharmaceutical companies trying to tackle prescription drug abuse, USA Today reports.

Opana misuse became more common after the company that makes OxyContin reformulated the drug to make it more difficult to abuse.

"It's almost like a game of Whac-A-Mole. You get a handle on OxyContin; they switch to Opana," Jeffrey Reynolds, Executive Director of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence in Mineola, New York, told the newspaper. "My guess is it will be something new tomorrow."

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