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Prescription Drug Overdose: Postcard
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Overview
Every day, about 75 people die and 2,000 people are treated in an emergency department due to unintentional poisoning. Approximately 96 percent of these poisoning deaths result from drug abuse or misuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a recent increase in drug overdose death rates is a result of increasing abuse and misuse of prescription opioid painkillers.
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At least one in four Americans is prescribed an opioid each year.
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The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) estimated that, in 2008, emergency department visits for the nonmedical use of prescription and overthe-counter drugs exceeded emergency department visits for use of illicit drugs such as heroin and cocaine.
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In 2008, an estimated 4.7 million people used various prescription pain relievers, sedatives and stimulants non-medically for the first time.
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Options for Policymakers
To address prescription drug abuse and overdoses, most states have created Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). PDMPs electronically monitor prescription claims information for inappropriate use of controlled substances among prescribers and patients. Other states have restricted “pill mills” (certain pain management clinics) or required tamper-resistant prescription forms.
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At least 44 states or territories have enacted PDMP legislation; of those states with legislation, 34 have operational programs.
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In 2010, at least 17 states introduced legislation related to PDMPs.
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Eighteen states have created advisory committees, councils, task forces or working groups to address prescription drug overdose and abuse.
Sources: NCSL, 2011; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011; National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws, 2011; Drug Abuse Warning Network, 2011.
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Issues & Resources
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| ©2013 National Conference of State Legislatures. All Rights Reserved. |
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