Rogue online pharmacies aiding rise in drug abuse, scientists claim

The number of cases of prescription drug abuse is rising, and this is being aided by rogue online pharmacies, according to research by scientists.

A report published online by Health Affairs from experts at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Southern California (USC), found that the expansion of high-speed internet between 2000 and 2007 saw a large increase in admissions for treatment for prescription drug abuse.

Dana Goldman, director of the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics at USC, said prescription drugs are "fast replacing" illegal substances on college campuses around the US.

"Our findings suggest that internet growth may partly explain the increase in prescription drug abuse, since it is well known that these drugs are easily available online," she added.

The report went on to state that prescription drugs which were frequently abused included painkillers, stimulants and tranquilisers.

Recently, the European Union's drug agency warned that "legal highs" are available online at a fast-growing pace.