By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Accidental overdose deaths from prescription pain medications have surpassed automobile crashes in Washington state as the leading cause of injury deaths of residents between the ages of 35 and 54, the Washington State Department of Health reported yesterday.
With these types of drugs being prescribed so much more often since the late 1990s, misuse and abuse has grown, the state agency said in a news release.
“Taking these powerful drugs with alcohol, illegal drugs and other prescription medications can be dangerous, and even deadly,” the Wednesday news release says.
The statewide death rate from accidental pain medication overdoses increased 90 percent between 2003 and 2008, according to the DOH.
Parents, patients and others can find more information on ways to prevent such deaths at the Department of Health website “Take as directed”
The state agency reminds the public the recently passed Good Samaritan Law allows immunity for anyone witnessing or experiencing an overdose when they call for help.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter