Latest Prescription Drug Statistics Show Increase in Prescription Painkiller-related Deaths and in Retail Sales for Painkillers
Destin, Florida (PRWEB) February 12, 2008 -- New research indicates that not only is abuse of prescription drugs killing more people than cocaine or heroin but that sales for prescription painkillers are also on the rise. According to a recently released study by The National Center for Health Statistics, "Prescription pain killers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin now kill five times as many people as heroin and almost twice as many as cocaine."
"This new research shows clearly why it is critical to seek help for your own or a loved one's addiction as soon as possible," says Randy Ross, president of Narconon Gulf Coast. "People's lives are at stake and if individuals don't seek treatment for their own or a loved one's prescription drug addiction, the result can be lethal."
In addition to research showing a rise of prescription drug-related deaths, the Associated Press has also reported on findings from an investigation and analysis of federal drug prescription data*. Findings show, "Retail sales of five leading painkiller drugs nearly doubled over an eight-year period, reflecting a surge in use by patients nationwide." Oxycodone, a chemical used in the popular prescription drug OxyContin, has played a large part in the increase as, "OxyContin use jumped nearly six-fold between 1997 and 2005."
"This is a very scary combination of events - not only are deaths related to prescription drugs like OxyContin increasing, but the availability of these drugs have also increased," says Randy Ross, president of Narconon Gulf Coast. "Prescription drug addiction is as debilitating as any other type of drug addiction and we are encouraging people to realize that getting treatment is not a weakness but instead a sign of courage."
About Narconon Gulf Coast
Narconon Gulf Coast is a residential drug and alcohol treatment, rehabilitation and education center. Randy and Debbie Ross founded the center after four unsuccessful attempts to save their own son through other rehab programs. After months and countless hours of research they found that a one-on-one approach in a small, uplifting environment was essential to helping individuals become drug-free. The Narconon program, a long-standing program with global success, is what finally helped Randy's and Debbie's son overcome his addiction. A desire to educate and help other families rebuild their lives prompted Randy and Debbie to turn their home into a fourteen-bed rehabilitation center. The center has a staff-to-student ratio of 1.3 staff for every student. Randy and Debbie Ross together with the staff at Narconon Gulf Coast are dedicated to keeping students focused on long-lasting recovery by providing a true one-on-one approach. The program length varies from person to person but the typical stay is around three to four months. For more information about Narconon Gulf Coast please visit www.narconongulfcoast.com.
*The Associated Press findings are a result of work conducted by Frank Bass, a multimedia investigations reporter with the AP.
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