Drug Induced Deaths Overtake Alcohol and Firearms!

A study released in late January by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that "In 2007, drug induced deaths were more common than alcohol induced or firearm-related deaths in the United States." The study reported that in 2007, which is the most recent year for mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System, "a total of 38,371 drug-induced deaths occurred in the United States."

The increase in drug abuse can be attributed to "prescription drugs, especially opioid painkillers and psychotherapeutic drugs," the study indicated. The study also found that "the medication was more widely prescribed by physicians."  According to Leonard J. Paulozzi who wrote the study findings starting in 2002, when these changes began appearing, prescription drugs "supplanted illicit drugs as the leading cause of drug-related overdose deaths."

The study identified that the majority of deaths are unintentional drug poisoning deaths, with suicidal drug poisoning and drug poisoning, "of undetermined intent comprising the majority of the remainder,"  The study specifically excluded deaths as a result of adverse affects for drugs taken as directed, including infections. 

According to the CDC report, “Drug-induced deaths include all deaths for which drugs are the underlying cause … including deaths attributable to acute poisoning by drugs (drug overdoses) and deaths from medical conditions resulting from chronic drug use.”

According to the drug report, “mortality rates increased during 2003--2006 and declined slightly in 2007,” although drug death rates for men exceeding those for women every year. In addition, the report discusses racial discrepancies with drug-induced deaths, explaining that “in 2002, rates for whites surpassed those for blacks.”

Furthermore, the report explains that “Studies of primarily white populations report that drug-related overdose death rates are highest among low-income persons; however, the reasons are unclear.” The study then does go on to report that certain limitations in the data do exist.

First, the report explains that “because of the stigma associated with drug abuse, drug-induced death rates are likely to be underestimates.” In addition, the CDC report concedes that “because death certificate data are not timely, the differences noted in this report might have changed in subsequent years given the marked changes that occurred during 2003—2007.”

Nevertheless, the study cautions physicians to “follow existing guidelines for cautious use of prescription drugs that tend to be misused by patients.” Paulozzi maintains that “Regulations designed to prevent illicit use of prescription drugs need to be strengthened and enforced,” while those who “misuse prescription drugs should be identified and receive a referral for substance abuse treatment.”

References:

Paulozzi, Leonard J. (January 14, 2011) “Drug-Induced Deaths --- United States, 2003—2007.” Retrieved January 20, 2011 from the CDC.