Over 100,000 Utahns are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, and the number is growing.
Prescription drug abuse is fueling the rise of addiction in Utah, especially among 18 to 24 year olds. There are a number of explanations for this trend, but chief among them is our collective willingness to share medications. Studies indicate that 97 percent of prescription drug abusers get their pills from friends and family members. Ninety-seven percent! Because of this faux generosity and the dangerous addiction it breeds, Utahns are dying by the hundreds from prescription drug overdoses. In fact, we are now more likely to die of drug poisoning than in a car crash.
To stop prescription drug abuse in our community, Odyssey House of Utah is asking for your help to spread word about its dangers. Please take a moment to share this post with your personal and professional networks. Remember, nearly all prescription drug abusers get their pills from friends and family. If we can convince even one person to stop sharing their pills, we may save a life.
To learn more about Odyssey House of Utah and its efforts to help individuals and families who are struggling with addiction and mental illness, please visit us at www.odysseyhouse.org, like us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Odyssey-House-of-Utah/54146512730, and follow us @OdysseyHouseUT.
Guest Blogger - Preston Nielson, Development Coordinator. Odyssey House
