New Mexico Senator Takes on Prescription Drug Abuse

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall says steps need to be taken in New Mexico and across the country to curb escalating problems stemming from the abuse and trafficking of prescription drugs.

The New Mexico Democrat met with medical experts and law enforcement Friday in Los Lunas to discuss strategies and the challenges.

Udall also unveiled legislation aimed at preventing prescription drug abuse and improving treatment options.

He says New Mexico has one of the highest drug overdose rates in the nation, with 40 percent of those overdoses caused primarily by prescription drugs.

His legislation would expand medical education training and the use of timely data to ensure patients receive prescriptions safely and legally. It would also implement new measures to prevent prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands.