Coming from Eastern Kentucky, I know firsthand the drug epidemic that has taken hold. I have known several people that have died from overdoses and know countless others that have been affected by drug abuse. The question is why. There are several factors that have led to prescription drug abuse. One of those factors is the low economic standing of Eastern Kentucky that causes stress that is relieved by prescription drug abuse. In this situation people can turn to prescription drugs as a source of income or a distraction. A second factor is the lack of affordable entertainment for the youth. I know many people who spend their weekends partying because of a lack of other options in the small towns of Eastern Kentucky. Prescription drug use may start as a social activity but quickly turns into a crippling addiction. A third factor is the pain-pill pipeline that runs from Florida to Kentucky. This results in prescription pills being readily available and easy to come by. Until recently, Florida has had very favorable drug laws for addicts looking for prescription pills. The pain clinics are easy targets and that are easily taken advantage of. A trip to Florida can lead to a car load of prescription pills that are easily sold for profit in Kentucky. It is estimated that 60% of illicit pills in Kentucky come from Florida. These factors help explain why there is such an epidemic occurring in Eastern Kentucky.
Chelsey K. M.
Sources:
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20111016/EXTRAS15/310150070/
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/31707246/
https://www.courier-journal.com/article/20111218/NEWS01/101240011/Prescription-drug-abuse-torments-Eastern-Kentucky-county
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