In response to America’s growing prescription drug abuse problem, the Obama administration has taken measures to help curtail prescription drug abuse by enacting new FDA legislation.

The new FDA legislation is a two-fold approach requiring participation from both drug makers as well as physicians who prescribe opiates. Drug makers will be required to provide physicians with materials for patients which explain the risks and benefits of opioid use. In turn, physicians will be required to understand how to correctly prescribe opiates as well as provide counseling to patients on the correct use of opiate pain medications.

“This is a positive step towards helping curtail America ‘s growing prescription drug epidemic,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . “It’s important that physicians have proper training in prescribing opiates and, additionally, it’s crucial that a patient understands the risks of taking opiates. Thankfully, the government understands and acknowledges that this problem is plaguing America. With these concerted efforts, in the future we should be able to see a decline in prescription drug abuse.”

Statistics show that in 17 different states, unintentional drug overdose is the leading cause of injury among its citizens. In addition to the new FDA regulations, President Obama has asked for an additional $123 million for drug prevention programs as well as an addition $99 million for treatment programs for fiscal year 2012.

If you know or suspect that your loved one has a problem with prescription narcotic abuse, Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center offers professional intervention services to assist you in getting them the help that they need to recover. For the past 13 years, Mountainside has established itself as an innovator within the addiction treatment field, and the treatment modalities Mountainside utilizes are regarded as among the most cutting-edge approaches in helping individuals to get, and to remain, sober.

Via EPR Network
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