In Utah 6 People Die From Prescription Opioid Overdose Each Week

The prescription opioid epidemic has swarmed the entire nation. People of all ages, backgrounds and communities struggle with prescription opioid substance abuse.

Recently, the issue of prescription drug abuse and overdose in Utah made headlines. KSL News – a Utah-based news source – reports in Utah each week there are “an average of six deaths related to overdosing on prescription opioids.”

The news source adds that in comparison with the rest of the nation, Utah ranks the fourth highest with regard to deaths from drug overdose. “A total of 300 people died in 2014 as a result of prescription overdose.”

The news out of Utah comes as a surprise for a state typically revered for its conservatism, strict liquor laws and family oriented culture. However, it also highlights the dramatic influence of prescription opioid substance abuse in every community across the U.S.

KSL says in an effort to curb overdose rates, the state is focusing on promoting its prescription drop-off locations for left over medications. Currently, only 27 percent of Utahns dispose of their medications – which when left in medicine cabinets can pose a health threat to family members or friends struggling with substance abuse.

The Utah-based news source reports “the majority of prescription overdose-related deaths in Utah involved oxycodone...the next most common drug involved in the deaths was methadone.” In comparison with overdose deaths from controlled substances like heroin and cocaine, prescription opioid deaths outnumber both combined.

The Utah Department of Health adds, “Utah saw a 27.6 percent decrease in prescription opioid deaths from 2007 to 2010 when the Prescription Pain Medication Program (PPMP) was legislatively established for two years.” The recent highlight on overdose deaths suggests the program may need to be re-established to correct the continued issue of opioid overdose and substance abuse.

Nonetheless, there are several ways Utahns and citizens everywhere can reduce the likelihood of prescription overdose. The Utah Department of Health cautions, never sharing medications, never taking a prescription in excess, store medications in away from children, keep track of your medications and dispose of any leftovers immediately after use.

Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem that affects families and communities throughout the U.S. For more information on how to protect you and your loved ones from prescription drug overdose or to see a list of approved drop-off locations statewide or abroad, visit the Utah Department of Health website or the Drug Enforcement Agency’s website.

Nicole Donaldson is a health writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Odyssey House. Follow on Twitter.