Kentucky, Indiana target problem of prescription drug abuse - WDRB 41 Louisville - News, Weather, Sports Community

Kentucky, Indiana target problem of prescription drug abuse

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LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- A new study highlights just how bad Kentucky's drug problem is.  The Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center at UK reports overdose deaths are up 282 percent between 2000 and 2010.  53 percent of the deaths were from prescription drugs, with the highest rates in eastern Kentucky.

Meanwhile, Indiana officials gathered in Indianapolis Thursday to work on ways to curb the problem there.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse says seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs.  That's more than the number using cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants combined.

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    Thanks to a grant from Norton Healthcare, this story and others are available in real-time closed captioning on WDRB.