The Surprising Second Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.

In a study published in the May issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers came to a surprising conclusion: hospitalizations for poisoning by prescription medication has increased by 65 percent from 1999 to 2006. The rates of unintentional poisoning– from prescription opioids, sedatives and tranquilizers in the U.S. has surpassed motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of unintentional injury death.

Simply put, this means that poisoning from prescription drugs is now the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in the U.S.

“Deaths and hospitalizations associated with prescription drug misuse have reached epidemic proportions,” said the study’s lead author, Jeffrey H. Coben, MD, of the West Virginia University School of Medicine. “It is essential that health care providers, pharmacists, insurance providers, state and federal agencies, and the general public all work together to address this crisis. Prescription medications are just as powerful and dangerous as other notorious street drugs, and we need to ensure people are aware of these dangers and that treatment services are available for those with substance abuse problems.”

Dr. Coben states that while the data shows a fast-growing problem, there’s an urgent need for more in-depth research on these hospitalizations. The study was able determine whether the poisonings were diagnosed as intentional, unintentional or undetermined. While the majority of hospitalized poisonings are classified as unintentional, notable increases were also shown for intentional overdoses associated with these drugs, most likely reflecting their widespread availability in community settings.

Next: Ten Common Medication Mistakes That Can Kill

1 of 2

Read more: General Health, Health

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Danuta W.

1:52AM PDT on Apr 21, 2012

very interesting, thanks for sharing this

send a green star

Shannon Y.

11:54AM PDT on Mar 16, 2012

Sadly, not surprising at all. I hope it doesn't get worse.

Freya H.

5:14PM PDT on Mar 15, 2012

Just another reason to reject Big Pharma's "pill for every ill" mantra. Proper diet is nearly always the key! Granted, we need medicines for certain things - but when possible, use a home remedy or watch what you shovel into your mouth.

Katherine H.

5:37PM PST on Jan 25, 2012

Thanks...yikes

Mac C.

5:11PM PST on Jan 25, 2012

I didn't know this. I don't have prescriptions and will try never to have them. Thanks for the post.

Jim R.

5:03PM PST on Jan 25, 2012

Had no idea..thanks!

Rosie L.

11:39AM PST on Jan 24, 2012

thanks for sharing!

Michele W.

9:15AM PST on Jan 23, 2012

Unsurprising

Margaret M.

11:17PM PST on Jan 22, 2012

The end of my comment below is: The 3rd mistake, there are times when 2 medications are given together as 1 may take longer to kick-in but it lasts longer & 1 kicks in quick but does not last long. Thus, a quicker & longer, desired effect is obtained. The 5th mistake, while common sense is not all that common, being one's own advocate would be cause enough not to drink alcohol when taking a medication especially when it's a new one. Those I haven't mentioned I feel can go along with being one's own advocate. My last comment, be sure your PCP (Primary Care Physician) knows what you are taking, prescribed, OTC, Vitamins & other supplements, everything. I also suggest you keep a copy of your meds, etc. in your wallet, just in case. I thank-you for reading this & for giving it some thought. Be well.

11:13PM PST on Jan 22, 2012

Thank-you for the article. Being a practicing RN in a hospital setting for over 31 years, my comments to follow will be from professional & personal perspectives, however, an expert in healthcare I am not. I find it disheartening when people are quick to comment on how it's all about money, the big pharms are greedy, doctors prescribe without listening, etc., etc., etc. Unfortunately yes the almighty dollar has become a stronghold in healthcare costs as it has with all else. However, I often wonder were those who use that as their pat, quick complaint really know all that goes behind making a new drug. Do they know that the length of doctor visits has been set to what the insurance companies set them to be. Many doctors still give their patients the time they need regardless of the allotted times the insurance companies impose. Yes, we do need to be pro-active in the health care we receive & the medications we take. For those who cannot do so, someone else needs to just as we all need an Advance Directive with a health care proxy we choose. The 2nd common mistake is not as true as it seems. There are times when 2 medications are given at the same time to enhance the effects of each other. It's called 'Augmentation' & there are too many examples to list here. Increasing side effects will always be a factor to be considered, some of which will subside once the desired effect(s) has been obtained. The 3rd mistake, there are times when 2 medications are given together