In 2007 there were 12,632 gun related homicide deaths in the US according to the National Vital Statistics Reports from 2010. This is less than the 14,800 Americans who died of opioid overdoses in 2008. But the number of overdose related deaths is increasing: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 15,597 Americans died from opioid overdoses in 2009.
The FDA estimated that there were 22.9 million prescriptions for extended-release and long-acting opioids in 2011. This raises concerns that the number of Americans who will continue to die will only increase.
Just like guns will probably always exist in America because it's a constitutional right, it is likely that the use of opioids will continue.
This month the FDA issued a safety measure to address the growing epidemic of opioid overdose. Manufacturers of painkillers will now need to fund continuing educational programs for physicians and other healthcare providers. This training will start in March 2013, but will be voluntary for healthcare providers.
The Obama administration's goal is to decrease abuse of prescription medications and the opioid overdoses leading to death by 15% in the next five years. Not a lofty goal when one considers the increasing trend in deaths.
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