FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The rate of prescriptions for controlled substances increased in 118 of 120 Kentucky counties between 2005 and 2007, according to a new report released Wednesday.
The Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics in the Commonwealth for 2007 also shows that five Kentucky counties — Clinton, Magoffin, Whitley, Bell and Owsley — averaged more than four controlled substance prescriptions per resident.
That data was collected through Kentucky’s prescription tracking system, called the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting System, or KASPER.
“Despite enhanced law enforcement efforts and the many successes of KASPER, the misuse, abuse and illegal sale of prescription drugs continue to plague the commonwealth,” said Justice and Public Safety Secretary J. Michael Brown. “Although vigilant in our efforts to curtail illegal use and abuse, this remains a significant challenge for the commonwealth.”
The rate of prescriptions dispensed for controlled substances increased by 20 percent in 32 counties from 2006 to 2007. Carroll and Hancock counties had the highest rates of increase at nearly 42 percent for Carroll County and 54 percent for Hancock County, the study found.
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