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Utah has a serious drug abuse problem.
It is a quandary that goes beyond the use of hard-core illegal street drugs and into the realm of the abuse of drugs that are typically prescribed for medicinal purposes. In fact, studies say Utah leads the nation in prescription drug abuse.
Fortunately, the problem isn't being ignored. Last spring, for example, officials organized a task force to tackle prescription drug abuse in Utah. Several bills addressing the issue have already been submitted for consideration during the upcoming legislative session.
Still, one key aspect of the problem remains frustratingly difficult to deal with. There is no viable policy recommended or mandated for the disposal of unused and excess pain killers and other prescription medications. Medicine cabinets in homes across the state are full of the stuff, which makes drugs readily available for experimentation or to those who are already hooked.
In KSL's view, meaningful steps need to be taken to have fewer unused pain pills in homes and available for abuse. It may require more precise dosage prescribing by physicians, changes in dispensing procedures by pharmacists, and practical methods for the disposal of pills that aren't used.
The urgency of dealing with the disposal aspect of Utah's drug problem cannot be overstated.
