Division of Professions and Occupations: Drug Diversion Policy Initiative
The abuse of controlled substances is a serious health problem nationally and in Colorado. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), unintentional overdose deaths from prescription opioids quadrupled since 1999. Studies suggest an estimated one in 10 healthcare practitioners will develop a problem with controlled substances (the same rate experienced by the general population), raising concerns for patient safety.