Skip to content

Return to the Full Article View You can republish this story for free. Click the "Copy HTML" button below. Questions? Get more details.

Misuse of Prescription Painkillers Becoming More Widespread Among Young Californians

In a California Healthline Special Report by Kenny Goldberg, experts discussed how the recent increase in prescriptions issued for strong painkillers is contributing to a growing problem of prescription drug misuse among young Californians.

The Special Report includes comments from:

  • Tom Lenox, special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration;
  • Michael Plopper, chief medical officer of Sharp HealthCare Behavioral Health Services;
  • Sherrie Rubin, founder and director of the not-for-profit organization HOPE; and
  • Robert Wailes, physician and member of the board of trustees for the California Medical Association (Goldberg, California Healthline, 4/11).

The complete transcript of this Special Report is available as a PDF.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

Some elements may be removed from this article due to republishing restrictions. If you have questions about available photos or other content, please contact khnweb@kff.org.