Prescription drug abuse in USA "poses public health threat"

A national alliance of families, the pharmaceutical industry, patients, consumer groups, and drug abuse prevention advocates in the USA has  released a nation-wide strategy proposal to counter the continued rise  in prescription drug abuse.

"Rising rates of prescription drug abuse are the result of a combination  of factors and can only be countered successfully by a coordinated,  multi-sector strategy," said Michael Barnes, executive director of  CLAAD, the Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence. The CLAAD's  National Prescription Drug Abuse Strategy, co-written with the Human  Resources Development Institute, advocates a balanced public policy  approach.

Abuse second only to marijuana