Prescription painkillers responsible for high number of drug overdoses

April 06, 2013

Most people are probably aware that prescription drug addiction has increased in recent years, but many would be surprised by just how much. A recently released report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that drug overdose deaths rose for the 11th year in a row. And in some cases, the use of these painkillers can lead to criminal penalties for people who are struggling with an addiction.

Reasons for the increase in fatalities include over-prescription and lack of knowledge

Most drug overdose deaths are from prescription painkillers, which are highly addictive. According to the head of the CDC, doctors often prescribe painkillers for pain that can be treated with less addictive drugs. The CDC's data shows over 38,000 deaths from drug overdoses in 2010. Approximately 22,000 of these deaths, or 60 percent, came from an overdose of prescription painkillers.

While prescription painkillers are helpful for serious diseases such as cancer, using them for milder issues, such as back pain or migraines, may increase a user's odds of becoming addicted. This issue of over-prescribing painkillers, combined with the fact that most people do not realize how addictive they are, has led to a major addiction and overdose problem that is rapidly deteriorating.

Two of the most popular painkillers are OxyContin and Vicodin, both of which are opioid drugs. According to the CDC report, these two drugs alone were responsible for three out of four prescription-drug-related deaths. The chair of emergency services at the University of Chicago School Of Medicine says he is not shocked by these results, since they are consistent with what he typically witnesses in emergency rooms.

This trend is only expected to grow worse. The head of the CDC recommends an increase in prescription drug monitoring programs, as well as more laws aimed at closing down establishments that contribute to the problem by over-prescribing prescription medications.

Tighter restrictions could lead to obtaining the drugs illegally

In response to this epidemic, hospitals are tightening restrictions on painkiller prescriptions and allowable refills.

This means that aside from the potentially fatal consequences, individuals who become addicted to prescription painkillers may find themselves attempting to obtain the drugs illegally once their prescription runs out. This can lead to drug possession charges, which come with serious consequences. However, even if someone is found guilty of the crime, the epidemic of prescription painkiller addiction often makes criminal penalties a less-than-effective way to address the problem.

The federal government has enacted mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for drug offenses. These guidelines were passed in an effort to target drug distributors, but they also result in permanent and devastating consequences for even small-time initial offenders. The mandatory minimum sentences are also largely responsible for the recent increase in the prison population.

These mandatory minimum sentences mean that penalties for first-time offenses could potentially include:
- Fines
- Jail time
- Community service

Probation or participation in a drug or alcohol treatment program may also be required. Penalties for drug offenses vary depending on the type and amount of drug. A judge may consider an individual's prior record or previous convictions when imposing a sentence, but the mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines may still mandate a hefty fine or jail sentence.

Each drug possession case is unique and may involve an individual who becomes addicted to painkillers due to a doctor's over-prescription. This is when a skilled drug possession attorney is essential. A qualified criminal attorney can mitigate the circumstances of the situation. He or she will also explore all defense options and provide an aggressive defense in an attempt to contain the damages.

Article provided by Wolfe & Stec, Ltd.
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