Drug, alcohol abuse rising in Washington

By Associated Press

Summary

Abuse of drugs and alcohol is on the rise in Washington state, including one of the highest rates of non-medical use of prescription pain relievers in the nation.

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Story Published: Dec 17, 2008 at 7:45 AM PST

Story Updated: Dec 17, 2008 at 7:45 AM PST

hypodermic needle in arm
SEATTLE (AP) - Abuse of drugs and alcohol is on the rise in Washington state, including one of the highest rates of non-medical use of prescription pain relievers in the nation.

The state Department of Social and Health Services' 16th annual report on drug and alcohol abuse trends has some good news, too. It says the good news is that smoking and methamphetamine abuse are on the decline.

Washington state ranks sixth among the states in non-medical use of pain relievers by people 12 and older. The prescription pain relievers being abused are mostly opiates.