With prescription pain killers being given out like candy, it's no surprise that deaths by accidental overdose have doubled in the past five years. Although not the only culprit, OxyContin - known as Hillbilly Heroin on the street - has been named as one of the drugs contributing significantly to this alarming trend.
According to Dr. Anne Marie McKenzie-Brown, a pain medicine expert at Atlanta's Emory Crawford Long Hospital, "There is a misperception that because a drug is a prescription medicine, it's safe to use for non-medical reasons. And clearly that is not true."
Death by Overdose Doubled in Five Years
'Hillbilly Heroin' Named As One Culprit
Trend Themes
1. Rising Prescription Pain Killer Use - Opportunity for alternative pain management solutions to combat the increasing reliance on prescription pain killers.
2. Increase in Accidental Overdose Deaths - Opportunity for innovation in overdose prevention strategies, such as advanced drug monitoring systems or naloxone distribution programs.
3. Concerns About Oxycontin Abuse - Opportunity for pharmaceutical companies to develop abuse-deterrent formulations or safer alternatives to OxyContin.
Industry Implications
1. Pharmaceutical - Pharmaceutical companies can explore the development of alternative pain management drugs and abuse-deterrent formulations.
2. Healthcare - Hospitals and healthcare providers can implement advanced drug monitoring systems and naloxone distribution programs to prevent accidental overdose deaths.
3. Technology - Technology companies can create innovative solutions for monitoring and analyzing prescription drug use to help identify opioid abuse and prevent overdoses.