Combating Prescription Drug Abuse
While Licking County isn’t the only community in Ohio struggling with prescription drug abuse, they are one who has recently received some assistance in the battle. A $5,000 grant from Denison University will assist in the development of a local Prescription Drug Task Force. This is the third year that grant has been made available to Licking County community organizations.
According to the Newark Advocate, a 2010 survey of high school students in the area showed prescription drugs to be the third most commonly used among juveniles, only following alcohol and tobacco. These drugs are often easier for youth to obtain than illegal substances, largely because they can sometimes be found in their own medicine cabinets.
The larger Central Ohio drug Enforcement Task Force is said to have seized 2,253 doses of prescription drugs in Licking County in 2010. Members of the new, more centralized, task force are hoping their efforts will lead to taking much more off the streets and out of the hands of those abusing them.
They hope to establish a permanent prescription drop-off location, allowing people to dispose of old or no longer needed pills in a manner that will prevent those pills from being used illegally. Right now, they only offer such a drop-off twice annually during Operation Medical Cabinet.
In addition to convenience, many people mistakenly believe prescription drugs aren’t as dangerous as other illicit drugs. But, according to the Licking County Coroner’s Office 70% of accidental drug overdose deaths in the area were due to prescription drugs last year.
Fraudulently obtaining a prescription, using someone else’s medication, or selling your own prescription drugs can all lead to very serious criminal charges. The local courts are serious about nipping problems like this in the bud and won’t think twice about prosecuting prescription drug offenders.
However, if you are a first time offender, you may have better opportunities than someone who has been in the court system before. If you are facing any kind of drug possession charges in Ohio, contact our attorneys today for a consultation on your case.
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