Utah no longer leads the nation in prescription drug abuse

According to the most recent SAMHSA data, Utah is no longer ranked #1 for pain pill abuse.  This “recent data” is dated back measuring years 2006-2007  however, so perhaps these numbers have dropped even more since this time.

Nonmedical Use of Pain Relievers in Past Year among Persons Aged 12 or Older, 

by State: Percentages, Annual Averages Based on 2005 and 2006 NSDUHs

Nonmedical Use of Pain Relievers in Past Year among Persons Aged 12 or Older,

by State: Percentages, Annual Averages Based on 2006 and 2007 NSDUHs

Utah County’s Drug Prevention Summit

Last month the Substance Misuse and Abuse Reduction Team (SMART), hosted a Drug Prevention Summit. Elected officials including mayors, commissioners, representatives, and senators from Utah County were invited to attend. The SMART coalition presented their 3-5 year action plan to address alcohol and prescription drug abuse. 11 elected officials joined the coalition after this successful night! For more information read the following new article in the Deseret News

Here is a fact slideshow presentation that played throughout the night:

Be sure to join SMART on facebook!