Painkillers, especially opioids, are both extremely common and extremely dangerous in the U.S. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that more than 115 people die in America every day after overdosing on opioid medications or drugs.
That may be because some pharmaceutical companies repeatedly told doctors, pharmacists, and other professionals in the medical community in the late 1990s that opioid-based painkillers weren’t addictive, leading to them being prescribed at higher rates. Since then, the number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths have skyrocketed throughout the country.
The NIDA says that between 21 and 29 percent of people who are prescribed prescription opioids for chronic pain misuse or abuse them, putting their health—and even their lives—at risk. In addition, between four and six percent of people who abuse prescription opioids transition to using heroin to satisfy their addictions.
Another startling statistic is that opioid overdoses increased 30 percent between July 2016 and September 2017 across 52 areas in 45 states. It’s clear that the opioid epidemic is growing and spreading, and it’s distributed in both small towns and big cities.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, we’re dedicated to holding pharmaceutical companies and negligent doctors accountable for the dangers associated with opioid addiction, abuse, and overdoses. If you or someone you love was hurt by an opioid medication, our drug injury lawyers want to help. Call us today for a free consultation.