Opioid Epidemic Growing Across Alabama, Nation

Fifty-two million Americans ages 12 and older are a part of the growing epidemic of opioid abusers from all walks of life.
That’s according to the Council On Substance Abuse.
College student Chase Leland says he sees it as well.

“The younger generation is definitely viewing substance abuse as the new norm now cause we are younger, as well,” said Leland.

The council says one of the main problems comes with overwriting prescriptions.
And Alabama is leading the way.

“Often we rely on our physician or doctor to prescribe something in his best interest. If I am given 90 pills, I am assuming I need to take 90 pills. In some cases, that is not a good thing to do,” Shereda Finch with the Council On Substance Abuse.

That’s why they want to educate the public and make sure they know the questions to ask.
Congresswoman Martha Roby says she is doing what she can on a federal level to help out.

“There has been the authorization for several grant programs to assist places like Montgomery and the River Region as they go about combating opioid abuse. For training and as well as different ways to deal with this epidemic,” said Roby.