Experts say prescription drug abuse is a growing trend and the Northland isn't immune to the problem.

It's a problem that has to do with legalized drugs.

"Right now I would say we have an opiate epidemic similar to the meth epidemic," said Gary Olson, CEO of the Center for Alcohol & Drug Treatment in Duluth.

Opiates, which are basically narcotic painkillers are commonly abused.

"A lot of people become addicted to prescription drugs because of an underlying physical problem," said Olson. "They start out with a legitimate pain issue for example, but then it slips out of control."

Police say the problem of prescription drug abuse spans across several age groups.

"It's harder to detect, it's easier for them to get a hold of sometimes," said Lt. Steve Stracek of the Duluth Police Department.

Authorities say part of the pill problem comes from people trying to cash in on capsules.

"What we're finding is that people who have chronic back problems or prescriptions...they get large amounts prescribed t(and) are selling them or trading them for other drugs," said Stracek.

Experts say the risks associated with abusing prescription pills increase, when substances are mixed with other drugs such as alcohol.

Police say prescribed patients sometimes become victims of crime themselves.

"Sometimes they're getting those large amounts stolen from them and other people are going out and selling them on the streets," said Stracek.

Olson says prescription drug abuse is the second leading cause for care at his facility.

"People who abuse prescription drugs often have more complex cases and require a much more intensive form of treatment," said Olson.

Treatments designed to control a problem that has moved from behind the counter to the streets.

Duluth police say it's a felony to sell prescription pills without a doctor's prescription. Officials say it's also felonious to possess opiates without a prescription.