The
number of overdose deaths from powerful painkillers more than tripled
over a decade, the government said yesterday. Prescription painkillers
such as OxyContin, Vicodin and methadone led to the deaths of almost
15,000 people in 2008, including actor Heath Ledger. That’s more than
three times the 4,000 deaths from narcotics in 1999. The report shows
nearly 5% of Americans ages 12 and older said they’ve abused painkillers
in the past year – using them without a prescription or just for the
high. Oklahomans reported the highest rate of abuse; the lowest was in
Nebraska and Iowa. The overdose deaths reflect the spike in the number
of narcotic painkillers prescribed every year - enough to give every
American a one-month supply, the CDC said. Other findings:
- New Mexico had the highest overdose death rate (27 per 100,000) and Nebraska had the lowest (5.5). The national rate was 11.9.
- Fatal overdoses were more likely in men, middle-aged adults, whites and American Indians.
- Sales of prescription painkillers are highest in the Southeast and Northwest.
