CDC study shows that enough painkillers were prescribed in 2010 to keep every American adult medicated at all times for an entire month.

In 2008, according to a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 15,000 Americans died from overdoses from prescription painkillers, like Vicodinm Oxycontin, and Opana. This represents a three-fold increase over the past decade, from 4,000 deaths in 1999. Dr. Michael Lowenstein, who specializes in the Waismann Method, an advanced procedure for rapid opiate detoxification, warns that these results show an upward progression of prescription painkiller abuse in the United States that will only get worse if there are not drastic steps taken to monitor and regulate the distribution of prescription pills.

"These statistics show that prescription painkiller abuse in America has continued to rise to dangerous levels," said Dr. Lowenstein. "The danger of prescription pills are often overlooked because they can be legally prescribed by a physician. Unfortunately, irresponsible doctors and unregulated pain clinics and pharmacies often contribute to the problem. It’s critical we communicate the risks associated with painkillers and prevent non-essential distribution."

The CDC study found that in 2010, one in every 20 individuals ages 12 and above admitted to using prescription pills for nonmedical reasons in the past year. Additionally, enough painkillers were prescribed in 2010 to keep every American adult medicated at all times for an entire month. The study indicates that part of the problem involves doctors overprescribing medication to their patients, which leads to individuals of all ages easily gaining access to discarded or unused prescription opiates. The study also found that the number of people who have died from prescription pill overdoses have surpassed those who have died due to heroin and cocaine combined.

While the sale of prescription painkillers and the number of related deaths vary by state, Florida, New Mexico and Oklahoma have been most affected by this increasing problem. There have been steps taken on the state and federal level to reduce the amount of prescription painkiller abuse, including President Obama's plan to expand statewide prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), however state governments are having a hard time financing these programs and monitoring individuals who cross state lines to obtain a prescription. Until these or other monitoring programs go into effect or individuals start being more responsible with this medication, the national prescription painkiller abuse problem will only worsen.

In the Waismann Method, a rapid detox treatment for opiate dependency that is carried out in a full-service hospital by board-certified anesthesiologists, patients remain under deep sedation, so they experience minimal conscious withdrawal or suffering. Following medical treatment, patients are assessed to determine underlying causes of dependency, and a customized aftercare plan is assigned to ensure a healthy and effective transition to life without opiates. It has a high success rate: approximately 70 per cent following one year after treatment.