A prescription for death

"First we seek excuse from pain," wrote Emily Dickinson. She must have glimpsed modern America where prescription pain pills have become more plentiful than popcorn, and abuse is rampant.

In 2007, 320 Utahns died from overdose or misuse of these pills. In fact, more Utahns die from unintentional prescription overdoses than in car crashes. The death toll has quadrupled since 2000, making overdosing the number one cause of injury death in the state.

The statistics roll on but don't get any better. Utah is third in the nation in prescription drug deaths. Some 24 of the state's 29 counties have the problem. And men and women are apparently dying in equal numbers.

The Utah Department of Health found those numbers chilling enough to institute a new program. In weeks to come, Utahns will be seeing posters and pronouncements and will get used to hearing the slogan "Use Only As Directed."

The new information push also lists "six tips" to help people act a little more responsibly. We note them here:

1. Never take prescription pain medications not prescribed to you.

2. Do not take more doses than prescribed.

3. Never mix with alcohol.

4. Mixing sleep aids and antidepressants with prescribed drugs can be dangerous.

5. Keep your medications in a locked, safe place.

6. Dispose of any unused medications.

The disposal issue has been a concern in the state. Flushing drugs simply sends the medicine into the water. And tossing them willy-nilly into the trash makes them targets for scavengers. The best advice is to mix old pills and medications with something undesirable (like kitty litter) and put them in the trash can.

In a meeting with the Deseret News editorial board, the team spearheading the push said one key is for doctors, patients, pharmacists and drug companies to all work together on the problem. The more cooperation, the more success.

"We aren't proud about being a leader in this area," said David N. Sundwall, executive director of the Utah Department of Health, "but we'd like to be a leader in getting things turned around."

We urge Utahns to become familiar with the problem and help health officials deal with it.