STEPS UNDER WAY TO CUT PRESCRIPTION-DRUG ABUSE

Prescription-drug abuse poses the greatest drug-related threat to the
health and safety of Floridians since crack cocaine. But although
"pill mills" are the most egregious manifestation of the problem, they
are not the major source of drug diversion and abuse. According to the
2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 70 percent of those who
use prescription drugs non-medically get them from friends and family
members.

Not surprisingly, patients receiving medications from a single doctor
is the next most-frequent source, followed by "doctor shoppers"
visiting multiple doctors to receive painkillers. Stolen, forged, or
counterfeit prescription forms are yet another way to illegally
acquire narcotics for non-medical use. Finally, pill mills and street
dealers are the bottom feeders - literally - as the sources for
diverted pharmaceuticals.

So, what are we doing about this? In January, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp
convened the Statewide Prescription Drug Task Force comprised of
several state agencies and charged them with finding solutions. In
partnership with federal agencies, they have accelerated a crackdown
on the rampant criminal activity.

Perhaps our best tool is the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. In
December, physicians in Florida will be able to view their patients'
prescription history. Potential "doctor shoppers" will be deterred
when physicians review a listing of their previous
prescriptions.

All of these efforts are reinforced by a proactive campaign led by
local community prevention coalitions and anti-drug organizations. One
of the highlights is Project Prescription Drug Drop, which was held on
Aug. 21 at 38 locations in Florida.

We have a long way to go to reduce prescription-drug abuse in Florida,
but even the farthest journey begins with a single step. Thankfully,
Florida has begun taking the right steps.

BRUCE GRANT

Tallahassee

Editor's note: Bruce Grant is director of the Florida Office of Drug
Control.