Prescription drug abuse in Los Angeles County: Trends and patterns in admissions among publically funded substance abuse treatment facilities

Pharmaceutical (i.e., prescription and over-the-counter) drug abuse has reached epidemic levels in the US. To better understand the epidemic, this study evaluates patterns and trends in prescription drug related admission episodes to the publicly funded treatment facilities in Los Angeles County. This study aims to provide evidence-based information to policy makers, health care providers, and the public about prescription drug abuse.

Substance abuse treatment admission episodes between 2005 and 2010 were identified using the Los Angeles County Participant Reporting System (LAC-PRS), a surveillance system developed to evaluate substance abuse treatment data from publicly funded alcohol and drug program providers. The most commonly detected pharmaceuticals and demographic characteristics were examined.

Between 2005 and 2010, there were 7,036 pharmaceutical drug-related admission episodes to treatment facilities in LAC. Opioid pain relievers were the most commonly identified pharmaceutical drugs, which have increased from 674 admission episodes in 2005 to 1,022 admission episodes in 2010. Pharmaceutical drug-related admissions were common among whites (61%) and clients aged 25-54 (62%).

Pharmaceutical drug-related admissions to publically funded treatment facilities in Los Angeles County have been increasing for last five years. However, the LACPRS results may underestimate the number of pharmaceutical drug-related admission episodes in Los Angeles County because it does not include those individuals who are likely to seek treatment with private providers. Data from private providers need to be included in future studies.