CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Drug and alcohol addiction is still a big problem in West Virginia, according to state chief health officer Dr. Rahul Gupta.
“We rate number one in the country. We’re very high in overdose deaths from drugs, but that’s no reason to say we’ve lost the fight,” Gupta said following a drug abuse forum Wednesday at the Kanawha United Presbyterian Church in Charleston.
Drug and Alcohol Presentations, a non-profit organization, hosted the forum with stakeholders from Kanawha, Putnam and Cabell counties to speak to community members about substance use and abuse. Gupta was the keynote speaker.
“We’re working as teams across the state to ensure that there is appropriate prescriptions and appropriate drugs for those who need them, but to avoid the access problem,” he said.
Gupta said that problem stems from patients who extend their short term medications when they may not need to.
“Make sure that you empower yourself to have a discussion with your provider on the advantages and disadvantages of each and every prescription drug you’re being prescribed, including opioids.”
Physicians across West Virginia are working to advise and encourage patients to not only limit the prescription to the appropriate pain, but to also make sure the drug does not fall into the hands of others.
Gupta said these health officials want to create an awareness to prevent further addictions, as well as give addicts the chance to receive the help they need in a timely manner.
“We’re just beginning to embark upon a journey where we’re going to take this head on from community to community and county to county statewide and address those issues,” he said.