Most age groups see an increase in accidental drug overdose

By Staff Writer

New research indicates a rise in deaths from drug misuse or abuse in the U.S., reports Reuters. This includes both prescription and illegal drugs.

To gain this information, researchers analyzed data from the U.S. Census, which tracks the number of deaths from different causes each year. Through their analysis, the researchers were able to calculate the percentages of people from different age groups and races dying from accidental poisonings.

The results of the recent study showed that deaths from accidental poisonings were high for almost every age group. This trend was especially prevalent among white Americans. The increase was due in part to an aging baby boomer population, which is more willing to embrace prescription medication.

According to the researchers, accidental poisonings due to drug overdoses were more than 10 times higher than they were in the late 1960s.

As more Americans take prescription drugs, the chance of developing an addiction to these medications also increases. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that in 2009, approximately 7 million people were users of pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants and sedatives - all for nonmedical purposes.

Individuals who feel they have developed a dependence on prescription medication may want to seek substance abuse help from a drug rehab center.