WHAT DOES THE COMMUNITY SAY: KEY INFORMANT PERCEPTIONS OF RURAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG USE.

This article presents data from four groups of rural Key Informants--Community leaders, educators, health care providers and justice/law enforcement officials--to understand the nonmedical use and misuse of prescription drugs. Seventy key informants were purposively selected from two counties in Appalachian Kentucky. Key informants indicated that the nonmedical use of prescription drugs is complex and has historical roots. Two pathways, or entry points, into the nonmedical use and misuse of prescription drugs were identified: physical pain and recreational use. Data show trends with regard to drug use patterns, drug use education, involvement with the criminal justice system and the role of economics in the prescription drug use problem. Key Informants underscored a common theme that the rural prescription drug problem was fueled by a cultural acceptance of drug misuse. Recommendations are presented for services and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]