As Painkiller Overdoses Mount, Researchers Outline Effective Approaches to Curb Epidemic

 

English: A graphic map showing the rates of accidental prescription drug overdose deaths for the state of Ohio by counties for the years 2004 to 2008. Information obtained from here and here. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

From the 19 September 2012 article at Science News Daily

 

“Good things happen when state prescription drug monitoring programs shift to a proactive strategy,” said Dr. Nathaniel Katz, assistant professor of anesthesia at Tufts University School of Medicine. “Not only can it prevent painkillers from being misused or distributed illegally in the first place, but it can also enable health professionals to identify patients who need help overcoming addiction.”