Haslam Announces Prescription for Success

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam joined Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner E. Douglas Varney and others to announce “Prescription for Success,” the state’s plan to prevent and treat prescription drug abuse in Tennessee.
Prescription drug abuse is a pervasive, multi-dimensional issue impacting Tennessee individuals, families, and communities. Of the 4,850,000 adults in Tennessee, it is estimated that nearly 5 percent (about 221,000) have used pain relievers in the past year for non-medical purposes. Of those, it is estimated that 69,100 are addicted to prescription pills and require treatment for prescription drug abuse.
A number of strategies have been developed to meet the following seven goals of the “Prescription for Success” plan to fight this epidemic:
1. Decrease the number of Tennesseans that abuse controlled substances.

2. Decrease the number of Tennesseans who overdose on controlled substances.

3. Decrease the amount of controlled substances dispensed in Tennessee.

4. Increase access to drug disposal outlets in Tennessee.

5. Increase access and quality of early intervention, treatment and recovery services.

6. Expand collaborations and coordination among state agencies.

7. Expand collaboration and coordination with other states.