Overdoses Caused by Prescriptions Meds
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During the first half of 2010, nearly 1,270 Floridians were killed by overdosing on prescriptions meds, according to a report published on Thursday.
Medical examiners have confirmed that an increasing amount of bodies are found to have drugs in their system. One drug in particular, Oxycodone – a drug used for pain relief – was responsible for more deaths than heroin, cocaine and alcohol combined.
Prescriptions Meds Overdoses on the Increase
To put the figures into perspective, 2009 saw 1,157 deaths from prescription drug-related overdoses. Between the months of January to June, around 89,800 Floridians died, with 4,150 of those deaths attributed to prescription medication overdose.
Compared to the last six months of 2009, the number of bodies found with hydrocodone and oxycodone (painkillers) increased by 4% and 11%, respective of drug.
Local government and law-enforcement agencies within Florida are attempting to combat the abuse of prescriptions meds and drug-related deaths, as cities throughout the various counties attempt to regulate pain-management clinics and the hours in which their services operate.
In Orange County, officials have already begun drafting measures that would see the number of pain-management clinics reduced or limited. Around 100 deaths took place in Orange County alone in 2009 because of prescription drug abuse, and the year’s end is already on track to exceed – or at least match – the figures of last year.
On Tuesday December 7, commissioners plan on discussing and voting on a new ordinance that will help to alleviate the issue of deaths caused by overdosing on prescriptions meds.
