Kentuckians affected by prescription drug abuse are invited to share their stories through Attorney General Jack Conway’s prescription drug abuse prevention webpage. One in three Kentuckians has a friend or family member who has experienced problems as a result of abusing prescription pain relievers, according to the 2012 Kentucky Health Issues Poll (KHIP).
“Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic that has shattered families in every corner of the commonwealth,” Conway said. “I have had too many parents cry on my shoulder and I have seen the pain of addiction on too many faces. Public awareness is a key component in our fight against prescription drug abuse. I encourage Kentuckians, of all ages, to share their stories of how prescription drug addiction has affected their families. Working together, we can make sure we don’t lose another generation to this scourge.”
Ashland resident Mike Donta knows the heavy toll that prescription drug addiction can have on a family. In 2010, Donta’s 24-year-old son, Michael, lost his three-year battle with prescription drug abuse. Donta, who travels with General Conway through his Keep Kentucky Kids Safe program, is now sharing his story as part of a series of videos entitled the “Faces of Prescription Drug Abuse.” Donta’s video was posted on the Attorney General’s website today, on what would have been his son’s 27th birthday.
“To receive a phone call that says your son is dead is devastating,” said Donta. “I have traveled from one end of the state to the other with ... Conway to share my message that prescription drugs really do kill. If you abuse prescription drugs, you are going to struggle the rest of your life. You are not born a drug addict; it’s a choice you make. My son made some bad choices, and they cost him his life.”
Donta’s video is available for viewing at www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL18C32F62C07C4347. In addition to Donta’s video, Miss Kentucky Teen USA 2009 Jeffra Bland tells how prescription drug abuse has forever changed her family.
