FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): This morning, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller and the Indiana Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force announced their plans to launch a new website & public awareness campaign aimed at fighting Rx drug abuse.

The website, www.BitterPill.IN.gov is armed with a toolkit of resources for learning about drug abuse prevention.

“Statistics show that abuse and misuse among all age groups is a serious problem in Indiana and that’s a bitter pill for our state to swallow,” Zoeller said. “Whether you are seeking ideas on how to talk to your teenager about whether they are abusing prescription drugs, searching for help for yourself or a loved one or just want to know how to properly dispose of your unwanted medications, this new website serves as a one-stop shop. I believe consumers need to be armed with information and the right resources so we can try to put an end to this epidemic.”

Zoeller says in addition to those learning tools, the top five features of www.BitterPill.IN.gov include:

·Knowing the dangers: Learn about the consequences of misuse and abuse of prescription drugs and what impact this epidemic has had on Indiana;

·Dealing with addiction: Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse in all ages. Access talking points to use when speaking with family or friends when you suspect a problem, and obtain information about treatment resources and referrals;

·Proper prescription disposal: Learn how to dispose of your unwanted or expired medications in way that protects the environment and ensures they don’t wind up in the wrong hands;

·Clinical resources: Access information written by Hoosier physicians which can help ensure optimal treatment with regards to commonly misused and abuse medications; and

·Reporting illegal activities: Learn how to report illegal activities whether it involves a physician, friend or someone else you know.

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, 718 Hoosiers died from accidental drug overdoses in 2011, compared to 654 deaths the year before.