A new CDC Vital Signs report indicates that narcotic painkillers such as oxymorphone, oxycodone, methadone, and hydrocodone are killing more than 40 people every day in the U.S. due to overdose. In fact, more Americans die annually from prescription painkiller overdose than those who overdose on cocaine or heroin combined, according to the report.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, USA indicates that in 2010 approximately 1 in 20 individuals over the age of 12 state they are using prescription painkillers for recreational purposes. That is a total of 12 million people.

The DEA indicates that the sales of these medications to pharmacies and health care providers has increased over 300% over the last 12 years.

The highest death rates are among individuals between 35-54 years old. According to Pamela Hyde, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Administrator said, “Almost 5,500 people start to misuse prescription painkillers every day...”

The painkiller overdose rate has tripled within the past ten years.

For more information about this report, please visit http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/236942.php.