One in four investigated deaths in Haywood County is the result of a prescription drug overdose, according to the medical investigator.
Those who abuse prescription drugs obtain them from various sources, including family members.
Senior citizens are especially vulnerable to family members stealing their medications. Americans 65 and older make up 13 percent of the nation’s population, but account for one-third of all drugs prescribed. Most seniors take at least one medication, while half of those on prescription medications take three or more different drugs.
With so many prescription drugs around, it is easy for someone to obtain them illicitly. Middle school students are experimenting with pills, taking the drugs from their parents’ or grandparents’ medicine cabinets.
Family members ...