So I was in class this week learning about medication errors and bad side effects from inappropriately prescribed drugs. My teacher starts talking about this drug study that was done in Utah. My initial thoughts were "oh, it's probably about how there's a lot of Mormon's in Utah and we don't drink or smoke". Unfortunately it was all about how much methadone is used in Utah. If you don't know much about methadone, check it out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methadone In a nutshell you need methadone if you have very severe pain (think cancer) or are addicted to heroin. Here are your fun facts about methadone use in Utah:
- From 1997-2004 methadone prescriptions increased 727%
- Accidental methadone-related deaths increased 1770% in the same time period
- Methadone-related ER visits increased 612% over that time period
After all was said and done, several my classmates looked at me and and later asked me "What's up with your state?"
Way to go Beehive State! Even New Mexico feels bad for you.