Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Friday, June 10, 2011

Most drug overdose deaths in the Seattle area involve prescription pain killers.

A new article from the Seattle Times, which can be found here, found that more deaths occur in King County due to prescription drug overdose than the use of illegal drugs. Of the 240 deaths that occurred, 130 involved prescription drugs. The main prescription drugs used in these cases are opiates, which are painkillers including methadone, hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (Oxycotin) and morphine. Also, about 85% of deaths involving prescription pain killers also involved a sedative such as Valium, Xanax and alcohol.

Prescription drug abuse is on the rise in all areas of the country. In Washington States alone over 75,000,000 doses of prescription painkillers were sold in 2010. Considering that the population of Washington is only 6 million people, that is a lot of medication. 

It is important that your doctor is aware of all medications you may be taking. If you are on multiple medications, it is worth your time to ask your doctor to review your medications to make sure there are no contraindications between medications. Also avoid consuming alcohol and/or illegal drugs while taking prescription medications.

Here at Back and Neck Pain Centers we believe that more natural care is the best option. If you have questions about chiropractic care or want to learn more. Please contact us! Click on the link to the right.