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Prescriptions Killed More Floridians Than Street Drugs In 2007

By Eddie Farah

Prescriptions Killed More Than Street Drugs In 2007

By Eddie Farah on June 14, 2008

A report released this week by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Medical Examiner's Commission, concludes that prescription drugs killed more Floridians in 2007 than illegal drugs.

In fact, the death rate is reported to be over three times higher than that of all illegal drugs combined.

Oxycodone, and methadone are at the top of the list. Cocaine, alcohol, and heroin use also increased, according to the report.

Stopping the taking of legally prescribed drugs, whether they were intended for the user or not, should be the focus of educating Florida's families about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs, the report says. Meanwhile, law enforcement must focus on illegal street drugs.

Bill Janes, Director of the Office of Drug Control, says doctors and pharmacists must get involved to help stop doctor shopping.

"Only through a comprehensive, coordinated strategy will we be able to reverse this tragic, unacceptable trend," he says.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Eddie Farah

Full post as published by Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer on June 14, 2008 (boomark / email).