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October 03, 2008
Researcher says deaths from accidental drug overdoses may have increased dramatically
WebMD (9/22, Doheny) reported that "deaths from accidental drug overdoses have increased dramatically in recent years, and prescription painkillers account for much of the problem, according to research presented [Monday] at the National Safety Council meeting."
Janet Froetscher, the president and CEO of the council, said that, "in 2006, about 24,000 people died in the U.S. from accidental drug overdoses," which is "a 100 percent increase from 2000." The largest increase "in these accidental poisonings is among men and women of working age, 20 to 64, and is mainly due to abusing prescription pain medicines such as oxycodone, methadone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and buprenorphine."
According to Froetscher, "the most rapid growth in accidental poisoning deaths during the past decade occurred in those 45 to 64 years old...followed by those 25-44 and then 15-24." Froetscher, "citing data from the" Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that "prescription opioids account for more than 38 percent of the deaths."
Related Links:
- "Drug Overdose Deaths on the Rise," Kathleen Doheny, WebMD, September 22, 2008.
Posted by admin at October 3, 2008 12:20 PM