King County Overdose Deaths On The Rise
A new report on drug use in King County shows that the number of people dying from prescription–type opiate overdoses is growing. Of the 253 drug overdoses in 2009, more than half involved prescription–type pain killers like OxyContin. That's almost eight times higher than in 1997.
A new report on drug use in King County shows that the number of people dying from prescription–type opiate overdoses in 2009 is eight times higher than 1997 -- a signifcant increase. More than half of the overdoses involved prescription–type pain killers like OxyContin. Even more alarming are signs that abusers of prescription drugs are making the transition to heroin. In a King County survey of drug users, 39 percent said they were hooked on prescription-type opiates before they began using heroin. To prevent drug abuse, drug czar and former Seattle police chief Gil Kerlikowske wants Congress to pass legislation to help local communities establish take-back programs for unused prescription drugs. Read the full article...