New Research From CDC: 'Increases in Heroin Overdose Deaths -- 28 States, 2010 to 2012'

Research cited in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Oct. 3 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, examines whether the increasing number of deaths from heroin overdose in the United States are associated with the declining number of deaths from opioid pain relievers.

Researchers found that deaths from opioid pain relievers were not associated with increases in heroin deaths. The report concludes that the findings illustrate the need for “intensified prevention efforts aimed at reducing overdose deaths from all types of opioids.” The report also proposes that prescription drug monitoring programs can help address inappropriate opioid prescribing and further reduce opioid abuse.