Prescription drug abuse in Ohio remains a significant concern. Rates of substance use disorders among Ohio residents surpass the national average, including rates of prescription drug addiction. While treatment-seeking rates have increased in Ohio and across the United States, there is still much work needed to address this ongoing epidemic of Ohio prescription drug addiction and support those affected in our state.
Ohio Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics
Ohio state data show that 2020 was a year in which more people died of accidental drug overdoses in Ohio than ever before. 5017 people lost their lives to drug overdoses in that year, representing a 25% increase on 2019 rates.
Ohio prescription drug abuse played a part in these overdose deaths as follows:
- Opioids: 415 overdose deaths (8%)
- Benzos: 420 overdose deaths (8%)
- Stimulants: 1,062 overdose deaths (21%)
Among fatal overdoses involving semi-synthetic opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone, 67% also involved fentanyl.
Despite the role of prescription drugs in the ongoing overdose epidemic in Ohio, fentanyl remains the primary driver, claiming 4,308 lives in the state in 2020, accounting for 86% of all deadly overdoses in Ohio.
Fortunately, total opioid doses decreased by 55% from 2012 (793 million) to 2020 (357 million). The overall number of opioid prescriptions also decreased by 52% in the same timeframe.
Benzodiazepine prescriptions in Ohio also reduced from 297 million in 2012 to 171 million in 2020, translating to a 39% decline.
Regrettably, rates of stimulants prescribed in Ohio continues to rise, as evidenced by the fact they play a role in one in five fatal overdoses in the state.

How Does Ohio Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse?
Ohio has been at the forefront of combating prescription drug abuse under the leadership of the Governor’s Cabinet Opiate Action Team for more than a decade. With an investment of over $1 billion annually, Ohio has been implementing comprehensive strategies since 2011. Here’s an overview of these initiatives:
- Reducing the pill supply: The state prioritized shutting down pill mills to curb the diversion and illicit sale of prescription opioids, effectively reducing their availability on the streets.
- Stepping up enforcement: The State Highway Patrol intensified efforts to intercept drugs crossing state borders, leading to record-breaking drug seizures over five consecutive years.
- Establishing opioid prescribing guidelines: Ohio developed prescribing guidelines for emergency departments and healthcare professionals, promoting responsible opioid use, reducing leftover medications, and encouraging non-opioid therapies.
- Empowering pharmacists and prescribers: Ohio’s prescription drug monitoring system saw a significant increase in usage, with over 88 million reports requested in 2017. As a result, opioid doses dispensed to patients decreased, and instances of doctor shopping significantly declined.
- New regulations for drug wholesalers: Clear guidelines were established for wholesalers, enhancing their role in identifying and reporting drug supply chain issues to regulatory authorities.
- Reducing prescription opioid dependence among injured workers: The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation implemented measures to reduce opioid dependence, including the formation of a medication policy panel, the development of a drug formulary, and enforcing best practices among prescribers.
Through these comprehensive efforts, Ohio aims to mitigate the devastating effects of prescription drug abuse and addiction, safeguard public health, and save lives.
Prescription Drug Abuse Resources in Ohio
There are many prescription drug abuse resources available to residents of Ohio. These include:
- Call the state helpline at 1-877-275-6364.
- For immediate danger or drug overdose, call 911.
- If you or someone you care about struggles with pain medication addiction or any substance abuse issue, help is available. For treatment referrals, go here.
- For mental health crises or support, you can text 4hope to 741741, and a trained crisis counselor will respond within five minutes to assist you confidentially.
Addiction support groups available in Ohio include:
- Narcotics Anonymous: Find meetings for Narcotics Anonymous, a 12-step program aiding drug addiction recovery by searching online.
- Nar-Anon: Locate meetings for Nar-Anon, offering support for family and friends of those with substance use disorder by conducting an online search or consulting your healthcare provider.
- Prevention Action Alliance GAP Network: Access information, education, advocacy, and support for individuals affected by overdose or working to recover from addiction just here.
Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction in Ohio
Here are some common methods used in treating individuals struggling with prescription drug abuse:
- Medical detoxification: This is often the first step in treating prescription drug abuse. Discontinuing use under medical supervision with a gradual reduction in dosage can minimize withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety throughout the process. While detox addresses the issue of physical dependence, ongoing treatment is required to unpack the psychological component of addiction to prescription medications.
- Behavioral therapies: Various forms of behavioral therapy, such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), contingency management, and motivational interviewing, are effective in addressing the psychological aspects of prescription drug addiction. These therapies help people recognize and change destructive patterns of thinking and behavior associated with drug abuse.
- MAT (medication-assisted treatment: MAT blends medications with talk therapies and counseling to treat addictions. For prescription drug abuse, medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone may be used to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Support groups: Participating in support groups such as NA (Narcotics Anonymous) or SMART Recovery can provide people with a supportive network of peers who understand their struggles and can offer encouragement and guidance.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: Many people struggling with prescription drug abuse also have co-occurring mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both substance abuse and mental health disorders simultaneously for more effective outcomes.
- Family therapy: Involving family members in the treatment process can help improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen support systems, all of which are beneficial for long-term recovery.
- Lifestyle changes: Encouraging healthy lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, stress management techniques, and engaging in meaningful activities can support recovery and promote overall well-being.
- Aftercare planning: Developing a relapse prevention plan and connecting individuals with ongoing support services, such as sober living environments, outpatient therapy, and community resources, helps in maintaining long-term sobriety.
- Continued monitoring and support: Recovery from prescription drug abuse is a lifelong journey, and ongoing monitoring and support from healthcare professionals, therapists, and support groups are essential for preventing relapse and promoting sustained recovery.
The most effective treatment approach may vary depending on individual needs, the type of prescription drug abused, and other factors. A tailored treatment plan developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals is often the most successful in addressing prescription drug abuse and supporting long-term recovery.

Get Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse at Ohio Recovery Centers
If you need immediate assistance addressing prescription drug addiction, reach out to Ohio Recovery Centers right away. All addictions are progressive conditions, so the sooner you seek help, the more straightforward your recovery will be.
We treat prescription drug abuse in an outpatient setting at our facility in Cincinnati, Ohio. This enables you to meet your everyday obligations while engaging with evidence-based addiction treatment during weekday therapy sessions.
All addictions are unique, so all Ohio Recovery Centers treatment programs reflect this by offering personalized treatment plans that blend medication-assisted treatment and psychotherapy with holistic therapies and aftercare to promote long-term and whole-body recovery.
Call 877-679-2132 for immediate assistance.