Police: Prescription drug abuse reaches epidemic | MailTribune.com

Police: Prescription drug abuse reaches epidemic | MailTribune.com: "From cheerleaders to athletes to academic high scorers to homeless drop-outs, the numbers of teens who are stealing prescription drugs out of medicine cabinets or buying pills on the street is escalating, Law said.
'The danger of overdose is so great, especially if you are drinking as well,' Law said. 'But these kids don't understand that. They don't think it's like meth. They think these pills are safe because they came from a doctor.'
According to data collected by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, there were 26 prescription drug deaths in Jackson County in 2009, said Medford police Deputy Chief Tim George.
Of the 26 prescription deaths, 11 are listed as accidental deaths, eight are listed as undetermined and seven are listed as suicides.
The latest teen death is a wake-up call for the community, George said.
'This is reaching epidemic proportions,' he said. 'These are the sad situations that bring it to light.'"