Painkiller Abuse May Be Fueling Massive Upswing In Drug and Alcohol Abuse

10.24.12 | Sarah Harnisch

New research indicates the number of drug and alcohol problems in the U.S. are on the upswing. The number shot up by 70-percent between 2001 and 2009. It's believed the rise is possibly driven by a surge in painkiller abuse. The study's lead author, Dr. Joseph Frank of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston says an increase in prescription drug use is a big part of the national trend. He adds that he thinks the study shows effective treatment is a big part of it as well and likely drawing people into care.