What is the Problem?
Prescription (Rx) medicine abuse is the use of a prescription medication to create an altered state, to get high, or for any reasons other than those intended by the prescriber.
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Healthcare
Professionals
Frequently Asked Questions
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RAS FAQs
How is the RAS funded?
The RAS is a non-profit funded through grants and donations.
How Can I Support the RAS?
You can support the RAS’s educational efforts by making a donation. Simply click the “Donate Now” button at the top of the page. This button will take you to the PayPal home page where you can select "Send" and enter the RAS email: [email protected]. Then enter the amount you would like to donate. You can also support the RAS by assisting in setting up educational presentations for local schools, civic organizations, or other community events.
How can I share RAS materials and information?
All materials and information the RAS provides on this website are meant to be shared and distributed to promote awareness and prevention of prescription drug abuse. We aim to be transparent about our sources, but if you have any questions, please feel free to send us your questions through the form on our "Contact" page or by e-mailing us at: [email protected].
What educational efforts has the RAS conducted or been involved with?
The RAS has participated in educational, statewide telecasts as part of conferences on substance abuse awareness. The RAS also hosted two conferences on prescription drug abuse awareness at the University of Wyoming. In addition, many of the RAS members have given individual presentations on various aspects of prescription drug abuse throughout the state.
How does the RAS promote community awareness and education?
The RAS promotes community awareness and education through educational conferences, presentations, brochures, and this website. If there is a way the RAS can promote awareness and education in your community, please let us know by filling out the form on our "Contact" page or by e-mailing us at: [email protected].
Wyoming Rx Abuse FAQs
How have death rates from opioids trended in Wyoming over the last several years?
The death rate from opioids has increased from 32 deaths in 2009 to 40 deaths in 2018 with the highest death rate occurring in 2014 with 52 deaths.
Where does Wyoming rank nationally in overdose death rates due to drug overdose?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Wyoming had a 9.28% increase in reported 12 month-ending count of drug overdose deaths from January 2021 to January 2022. The percent change for the United States was 9.3%. Wyoming went from 97 deaths in 2021 to 106 in 2022.
What is the primary substance of abuse that results in overdose deaths?
Nationally synthetic opioids are the primary cause of overdose deaths. 82.3% of opioid-involved overdose deaths were due to synthetic opioids. 74.8% of all drug overdose deaths involved an opioid. Drug overdose deaths involving psychostimulants such as methamphetamine are increasing with and without synthetic opioid involvement.
What changes have occurred in drug overdose death rates involving prescription opioids in Wyoming?
From 2019-2020 no significant changes were seen in the death rate involving prescription opioids in Wyoming. There was a 2.2% change from 2018-2019 which is not a statistically significant change.
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/deaths/prescription/maps.html
What areas in Wyoming are experiencing the greatest number of overdose deaths due to opioids?
From 2017-2018 Casper, Cheyenne, Gillette and Sheridan were the cities identified by the Wyoming Vitals Statistics Services as having the most overdose deaths due to opioids.