STATE LEADS FIGHTING PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

SALT LAKE CITY -- Gov. Gary Herbert is joining with other state leaders to fight the rising toll of prescription drug abuse in Utah.

"From the year 2000 to 2009 we've seen a 373 percent increase in deaths from prescription drug abuse," Herbert said.

The "Use Only As Directed" campaign aims to raise awareness about proper storage, use and disposal of prescription drug abuse.

In 2009, prescription drugs passed cocaine/crack as the 4th highest drug of choice in Utah.

According to the campaign, unintentional prescription pain medication overdoses killed more Utahns than automobile accidents in 2010. The majority of these deaths could have been prevented by simply using medications exactly as prescribed.

The campaign also points out that most people who abuse the drugs get them free from family or friends -- either through theft or donation.

It says proper storage and disposal of the drugs could decrease the number of people abusing them.

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