Death of Heath Ledger: Media Blip or Teachable Moment? A Public Health Response to the Troubling Trend of Prescription Drug Abuse

The death of noted actor Heath Ledger from an array of prescription drugs increased public attention to the risks from such products, especially in combination, but it is unclear whether there may be lasting effects of such a tragedy on public health. While such products provide immense medical benefits, they are also subject to diversion and non-medical use (misuse and abuse). In recent years initiation of prescription drug abuse, especially among youth and young adults, has increased dramatically, with more “new starts” among youth 12-17 for prescription pain relievers than for marijuana. In many states deaths from prescription drug abuse far exceed those from illicit drugs. Further, there are strong regional differences, with heaviest use in southern and western states. Approaches to the reduction of prescription drug abuse include reducing illegal diversion through prescription drug monitoring programs, and reducing demand through public education about the risks of such abuse, targeted to parents, teens, and public health professionals. This session provides an overview of the nature and extent of the prescription drug abuse problem, a description of a large state's experience with a prescription drug monitoring program, a review of media coverage of the issue and the results of a national media campaign to educate parents on the risks and what they can do to reduce teens use of these products. A response from a key state official experienced with this issue will supplement the formal presentations.