Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) || "Did You Know?" - July 6, 2012

July 6, 2012



Nearly 1 in 3 prescription painkiller overdose deaths in 2009 involved methadone even though the drug accounted for only 2% of painkiller prescriptions.

CDC Vital Signs - Prescription Painkiller Overdoses


The number of deaths in 2009 involving methadone was 6 times higher than a decade before.

Vital Signs: Risk for Overdose from Methadone Used for Pain Relief — United States, 1999–2010


States can use prescription drug monitoring programs to identify patients who are using methadone or other prescription painkillers for nonmedical purposes.

CDC - Prescription Painkiller Overdoses Policy Impact Brief - Home and Recreational Safety - Injury Center