Prescription drug overdose deaths have reached such high levels that more people are dying from these drugs than heroin and cocaine combined, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These death rates have tripled since 1990 and an estimated 75 percent are caused by these opioid pain relievers. Oftentimes, a person who dies as a result of a prescription painkiller is also abusing another drug, including benzodiazepines, an illicit drug, or alcohol.<\/p>\n
Studies show that those who are prone to abuse prescription painkillers often take larger doses to get feelings of euphoria and lessen withdrawal symptoms. But as larger doses are taken, breathing slows down. When this occurs, a person can stop all together and suffer an untimely death.<\/p>\n
The CDC notes that the drugs oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and methadone are the most misused and abused prescription painkillers. Doctors that prescribe painkillers in high doses and in fatal combinations can be held (more…)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Prescription drug overdose deaths have reached such high levels that more people are dying from these drugs than heroin and cocaine combined, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These death rates have tripled since 1990 and an estimated…<\/span><\/p>\n