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N.H. Forum Focuses on RX Drug Abuse

Lebanon, New Hampshire - November 18, 2009

Health care providers, law enforcement officials, and those who deal directly with addiction gathered in Lebanon, N.H., Wednesday to address the misuse of prescription drugs.

Oxycodone, methadone, and morphine have long been used to treat pain. But officials say the pills are getting into the wrong hands, causing serious addiction, and even worse, death.

"As we have seen a growth in the availability in opioids for the treatment of pain, we have also seen an increase in the associated misuse of opioids," said Dr. Seddon Savage of Dartmouth Medical School.

Ten year ago in New Hampshire only about 1 in every 200 people who checked into rehabilitation were seeking treatment for prescription drug addiction. This year that number has jumped to 1 in every 9 people. And officials say that oftentimes the drugs were never intended for those who got hooked on them.

"I think that is what is most disturbing to those who work in health care because drugs that we use and have a legitimate medical purpose are being used in ways that actually harm people," Savage said.

Harm people and the community as a whole.

"There is a link between prescription drug use and sale and home burglaries," Lebanon Police Det. Andrea Kegelman said.

Police say they have seen an increase in prescription drugs related crime and now are taking a multi-pronged approach to catching criminals.

"We may be contacted directly by a pharmacy or doctor's office with concerns about a person who repeatedly shows up seeking narcotic drugs," Kegelman said.

Forming networks to fight the abuse is exactly what this forum is intended to do.

"Looking at the patterns of misuse among old people, among young people, in health care settings, on the street. Getting all our perspectives then looking at some of the potential solutions to the problem," Savage explained.

Organizers of the forum say there will not be one easy answer to the issue. However, they say bringing everyone together is the first step to solving a problem that is becoming more and more prevalent throughout our region.

Adam Sullivan - WCAX News