1994 to 2007. There were 276,000 adolescents who reported nonmedical use of opioid pain relievers, and 122,000 who had an addiction to prescription pain pills.
Women are another group that was at risk, according to the report, since they have a higher likelihood of chronic pain, and in turn are more likely to receive prescriptions for opioid painkillers. From 1999 until 2010, overdose deaths from prescription painkillers was up 400 percent in women, compared to 237 percent in men.
Last December, the CDC announced that the most commonly prescribed painkillers were involved in more opioid deaths than any other type of opioids.
In order for the statistics of overdose deaths to improve, it’s important to focus on prevention, support and treatment for people suffering from an opioid use disorder, Dr. Frieden said in a statement. He also stressed the importance of law enforcement’s role in reducing the circulation and availability of illegal opioids like heroin.
Author: Cesar Gamboa
Cesar Gamboa is a staff reporter and editor for Addiction Now covering topics ranging from legislation to scientific studies. He was previously a general assignment reporter for the Orange County Register. SoCal raised, lover of books, and avid mountain biker (when he wants to be). He can be reached at cesarg@addictionnow.com.
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