Painkillers Addiction Literally Killing In Portsmouth, Ohio
Portsmouth, Ohio has one of the highest rates of prescription drug overdoses in the country. In the state of Ohio the number of overdoses from painkillers has increased drastically over the past ten years and in 2007 the number of individuals who died from a prescription drug related overdoses exceeded car crashes as the leading cause of death in Ohio. Addiction to painkillers has become so bad in Ohio that Gov. John R. Kasich announced a campaign that would spend $36 million dollars to fight the problem. In addition, earlier in the week the Obama administration made it clear that there is intention to fight the national problem of prescription drug addiction. The administration noted that painkillers are now killing more people then crack cocaine did in the 1980’s and heroin did in the 1970’s. The stories that surround the Portsmouth, Ohio that are drug related are filled with horror. Young teenagers are running around addicted to prescription drugs, grandmothers are selling drugs and individuals are murdering as a means to get drugs and fuel their addiction. The state knows that addiction treatment works and is working on increasing the availability of drug rehab centers available. The officials of Portsmouth, Ohio are confident that by increasing the help available to those struggling with addiction to painkillers they will be able to get a grip on the rapidly growing problem. While recovery from addiction is a slow, methodical process the right addiction treatment center can help to build the strong foundation that is needed.