As America’s problems with prescription painkillers intensify, more and more states are finding ways to curb illegal diversion of the drugs. Alaska is one of 42 states that have laws on the books to allow for the establishment and operation of a prescription drug-monitoring program. Alaska’s detox program isn’t yet operational but will link into the database used to track all controlled substances dispensed in the state’s pharmacies. The database will help authorities and those who prescribe and dispense drugs to identify cases of fake prescriptions, doctor shopping and indiscriminate prescribing.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says that the abuse and illegal distribution of oxycodone and hydrocodone are problematic in Alaska. Both are prescription narcotics that have a tendency to be abused, diverted and stolen. They also have a tendency to lead to dependence and addiction. Oxycodone is included in such medications as OxyContin, Percodan and Percocet. Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet and Norco contain hydrocodone.
Drug thefts are also problematic in Alaska, according to the DEA. Pharmacies, hospitals and nursing homes are all targeted. As with all other states, the DEA says, Alaskan officials also have issues stopping the influx of opiates into the state via the Internet. Numerous websites offer prescription drugs for sale but many are not operating legally or with the best intentions. Some do not even require prescriptions. These sites can offer pills that are substandard, made with dangerous ingredients, too potent or not effective at all. Some people have reported receiving the wrong prescription altogether.
Alaska detox and major metropolitan areas
- Anchorage, AK
- Juneau, AK
- Ketchikan, AK
- Fairbanks, AK
- Nome, AK
Alaska Boroughs
- Aleutians East Borough
- Anchorage Borough
- Bristol Bay Borough
- Denali Borough
- Fairbanks North Star Borough
- Haines Borough
- Juneau Borough
- Kenai Peninsula Borough
- Ketchikan Gateway Borough
- Kodiak Island Borough
- Lake and Peninsula Borough
- Matanuska-Susitna Borough
- North Slope Borough
- Northwest Arctic Borough
- Sitka Borough
- Southeast Fairbanks Borough
- Yakutat Borough
