Prescription Drug Deaths

The controversy continues. On one hand, studies show patients with pain (particularly chronic) are under-treated. On the other hand, studies are showing an annual rise in mortality with prescription drugs, particularly opioid analgesics.

U.S. deaths caused by drug use in 2007 were more common than either alcohol-induced or firearm-related deaths, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Also see MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2011;60:60-61.
Medscape - Drug-Induced Deaths More Common Than Alcohol- or Firearm-Related Fatalities

Prescription Drug Overdose Becomes the Second Leading Cause of Accidental Death
Site - Prescription Drug Addiction (I know, not legit looking but they pulled information from CDC and DAWN).

A man seeking prescription painkillers shot and killed a doctor at a Perry County medical clinic Tuesday morning, according to state police. Clinic employees said Combs became angry and combative after refusing to take a urine test as a requirement for being prescribed pain pills.
Kentucky News - Doctor Killed By Patient

Graph Created From - Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN)