Do American’s Take Too Many Prescription Drugs? Can Chiropractic Care Help Reduce Dependence On Prescription Medication?
The CDC’s Vitalsigns online reported on prescription drug over-prescription, and the correlation between opiate prescriptions and prescription drug overdoses and death on July 1, 2014.
“Prescription drug overdose is epidemic in the United States. All too often, and in far too many communities, the treatment is becoming the problem,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.
- 46 people die in the US every day from prescription drug overdose
- 259 million prescriptions were written for painkillers in 2012
- 10 of the highest prescribing states are in the South
Dr, Frieden continued, “Overdose rates are higher where these drugs are prescribed more frequently. States and practices where prescribing rates are highest need to take a particularly hard look at ways to reduce the inappropriate prescription of these dangerous drugs.”
Pain caused by health problems would not vary due to geography, according to the CDC. Yet the US has twice as many painkiller prescriptions per person than Canada, and the highest prescribing state has 3 times as many painkiller prescriptions than the lowest prescribing state.
“Data suggest that where health care providers practice influences how they prescribe. Higher prescribing of painkillers is associated with more overdose deaths. More can be done at every level to prevent overprescribing while ensuring patients’ access to safe, effective pain treatment. Changes at the state level show particular promise,” reported the CDC.
For more information and research, please read this health research report on Pharmaceutical Drug and Side-Effects. To see if chiropractic care can help with your pain levels, call (512) 452-2525 to schedule today.