By Bobby Thomas

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths hit unprecedented numbers in 2014. Most of these deaths resulted from the misuse of prescription painkillers and heroin. In 2014, an estimated 47,000 individuals died, compared to 44,000 in 2013. Unfortunately, a staggering 6 out of 10 deaths is attributable to painkillers and heroin, with opioid related deaths increasing to 14 percent in 2014.

The epidemic is fueled by individuals addicted to prescription painkillers who turn to heroin as a cheaper, less regulated, and easily available alternative. The CDC has called for tighter regulation and standards to combat this devastating trend. Similarly, The Department of Health and Human Services encourages the use of naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid overdose effects, as a means to curtail the epidemic.  More information regarding this can be found by clicking here.

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