The misuse and abuse of prescription medications: part 1 current trends

The epidemic of prescription drug abuse has triggered a resurgence in heroin abuse by young people. Heroin is a less-expensive analogue of prescription painkillers that delivers a stronger high and is currently more readily available than ever in areas with suburban and rural ZIP codes. The abuse and misuse of prescription medications and consequent heroin addiction have directly impacted rates of admission to drug treatment facilities; additional, injection may put users at risk of transmitting or acquiring blood-borne pathogens, particularly hepatitis C and HIV. This article reviews national and New Jersey-specific data on the misuse of prescription medications, the relationship between prescription painkillers and heroin use, some of the reasons why prescription painkiller sales have increased dramatically in the United States, the importance of screening for addiction and resources for referrals.