Ohio County focuses on prescription drug addiction

Although drug rehab centers can help individuals suffering from substance dependency, some communities are also taking their own steps to lend a helping hand.

In Scioto County, Ohio, more than 10 babies were born addicted to drugs, according to the Associated Press. Lisa Roberts, an Ohio nurse, told the news source that the high unemployment rate have led many individuals to turn to drugs to cope with their hardships. Prescription medication abuse is on the rise, and more than 117 people died from overdosing between 2000 and 2008 in Scioto County. Now, health commissioner Aaron Adams is asking departments to shift a majority of their focus to addiction.

Experts say that "pill mills," or illegal dealers of prescription medication, are to blame for much of the addiction that is running rampant through the county. By shutting down these dealers, county officials believe they will be able to make a difference in reducing the amount of prescription drug dependency.

Drug addiction costs the U.S. nearly $484 billion every year, according to according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Rehabilitation facilities can provide individuals with the resources they need to detoxify over time.