The national opioid overdose epidemic is worsening, according to a report in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). The rate of opioid overdose deaths has increased 200% since 2000, with a record high in 2014 of 9 per 100,000, a 14% increase over 2013. There were dramatic increases in both prescription-based overdoses and overdoses from heroin. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl contributed to the epidemic in 2014. Deaths from prescription drugs, such as morphine and oxycodone, accounted for 3.8 deaths per 100,000, a 9% increase. As the opioid overdose epidemic continues unabated, the CDC recommends that “efforts to improve safer prescribing of prescription opioids must [intensify],” noting that opioid pain reliever prescriptions have quadrupled since 1999. The CDC also recommend expanding access to and use of naloxone for those who are at risk of overdose (MMWR Dec. 18, 2015/64 [Early Release]; 1-5).
Death by prescription drugs is out of control.
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