A new report puts Indiana in the top ranks of states for drug overdoses.
The Trust for America‘s Health report ranks Indiana among the top five states with the fastest growing rates of fatal drug overdoses. The report says the Indiana figure has quadrupled in the past ten years.
Scott Watson of Indianapolis-based Heartland Intervention attributes the rise to the continued availability and misuse of prescription pain medication.
Watson says that can become a gateway for other drugs like heroin. He says parents need to remain vigilant and carefully watch their kids. Watson adds that Indiana has been criticized for not using federal resources that include expansions to Medicaid to fight substance abuse.
However, Watson adds the state legislature is working at addressing the issue of drugs and drug abuse.
