Deaths from prescription painkillers* have reached epidemic
levels in the past decade. The number of overdose deaths is now
greater than those of deaths from heroin and cocaine combined. A
big part of the problem is nonmedical use of prescription
painkillers—using drugs without a prescription, or using drugs
just for the "high" they cause. In 2010, about 12 million
Americans (age 12 or older) reported nonmedical use of
prescription painkillers in the past year. Enough prescription
painkillers were prescribed in 2010 to medicate every American
adult around-the-clock for a month. Although most of these pills
were prescribed for a medical purpose, many ended up in the
hands of people who misused or abused them. Improving the way
prescription painkillers are prescribed can reduce the number of
people who misuse, abuse or overdose from these powerful drugs,
while making sure patients have access to safe, effective
treatment. * "Prescription painkillers" refers to opioid or
narcotic pain relievers, including drugs