Wide Availability May Invite Abuse, Officials Say

Vermonters are consuming more of some potentially addictive prescription drugs than most other Americans, and some officials worry that it could be feeding the state's drug abuse problem.

According to recent statistics compiled by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Vermont ranks second in the nation for per capita consumption of Ritalin, used to treat attention deficit disorder in children.

Vermont's consumption of Ritalin is more than five times greater than Hawaii's, the lowest.

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