15,000 people die from prescription pain overdoses each year

Yesterday, the CDC concluded that "One in 20 people in the United States, ages 12 and older, used prescription painkillers nonmedically (without a prescription or just for the "high" they cause) in 2010." And they also warn that the misuse of painkillers is at epidemic proportions.

Did you know that ...

Prescription painkiller overdoses killed nearly 15,000 people in the US in 2008. This is more than 3 times the 4,000 people killed by these drugs in 1999.

Nearly half a million emergency department visits in 2009 were due to people misusing or abusing prescription painkillers.

Nonmedical use of prescription painkillers costs health insurers up to $72.5 billion annually in direct health care costs.

Here are some recommendations the CDC offers to consumers

1. Use prescription painkillers only as directed by a health care provider.
2. Make sure they are the only one to use their prescription painkillers. Not selling or sharing them with others helps prevent misuse and abuse.
3. Store prescription painkillers in a secure place and dispose of them properly.

Need help for yourself or a loved one? Don't wait.

Contact a health care provider who can help you.

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