US Pharm. 2015;40(9):5.
College Station, TX—The 63% increase in heroin use over the last decade is closely linked to the growing use of prescription opioids, according to the CDC. About 45% of Americans addicted to heroin are addicted to prescription opioids as well. Most people who become addicted to prescription opioids start taking them when prescribed for a legitimate medical problem, but keep using them because they like how the drugs make them feel. Many prescription opioid addicts initially try to obtain the drugs through pharmacies, but then move on to heroin after losing access to prescription opioids. Pharmacists who suspect that a patient of theirs is addicted to prescription opioids are advised to stage a mini-intervention and recommend treatment options.
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