Pubdate: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 Source: Watertown Daily Times (NY) Copyright: 2008 Watertown Daily Times Contact: http://www.wdt.net Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/792 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/walters.htm (Walters, John) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/oxycontin.htm (Oxycontin/Oxycodone) CLOSE LOOPHOLES ON ILLEGAL ACCESS TO MEDICINES Federal statistics cite a 24 percent decline in Illegal drug use by American youth since 2001. Overall marijuana use among teens is down by 25 percent with more notable decreases in the use of ecstasy (down by half) and meth, which has dropped by 64 percent. The decline in illegal drug use represents 860,000 fewer young people using drugs today. But the favorable data is offset by an alarming growth in the misuse of prescription drugs. John Walters, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, says that 2 million teens abuse prescription drugs, with an estimated 2,500 youngsters turning to them every day. Such drugs are the major source of abuse for 12- and 13-year-olds. While many obtain them from home drug cabinets, they are also readily available on the Internet through "rogue" pharmacies that make it easy for minors to obtain controlled substances. In a news conference, Mr. Walters cited the excessive distribution of the drug hydrocone from "34 known or suspected rogue Internet pharmacies." Television advertising has heightened awareness about the availability of the drugs in homes, particularly from unused prescriptions. Over the weekend, President Bush drew attention to the illegal online sales of drugs in calling for Congress to enact legislation to restrict access and tighten controls on filling prescriptions. Sens. Dianne Feinstein of California and Jeff Sessions of Alabama have introduced such legislation, which has cleared the Judiciary Committee. One requirement would be to require valid prescriptions that have been issued while under a doctor's care. Doctors would be required to conduct an in-person examination of a patient before issuing a prescription. There would also be additional online identification requirements for pharmacies and increased penalties with provisions for criminal prosecution in federal courts. However, the online pharmacies can also be a legitimate source of drugs in a competitive world with consumers, especially the uninsured, in search of the lowest cost. "The Internet has brought about tremendous benefits for those who cannot easily get to a pharmacy in person," President Bush said. "However, it has also created an opportunity for unscrupulous doctors and pharmacists to profit from addiction." The challenge will be to deter the latter without interfering with legal and legitimate drug purchases. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom