Updated December 30, 2014.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deaths from prescription painkillers are now at epidemic levels. The number of overdose deaths has soared in the past decade. In 2008, prescription painkiller overdoses killed close to 15,000 people in the United States -- more than 3 times the 4,000 people who were killed in 1999 by prescription painkiller overdoses.

A significant part of the problem comes from misuse of prescription painkillers.

In 2010, about 12 million Americans (12 years of age and older) reported nonmedical use of prescription painkillers during the past year. Nearly half a million emergency department visits in 2009 were due to people misusing or abusing prescription painkillers. The CDC's Vital Signs report Prescription Painkiller Overdoses in the US indicates that the amount of prescription painkillers prescribed in 2010 would have medicated every American adult around-the-clock for a month. Most of the prescriptions for pain pills were intended for medical use but too many ended up being misused or abused.

The misuse-abuse problem creates difficulties for people with chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis, since some doctors have become wary prescribers -- even for legitimate use. Avoiding the issue is not the answer, though, because that leaves chronic pain patients undertreated. The government, insurers, doctors, and individuals must come together to find solutions. As an individual, you should use prescription painkillers only as directed, never share your prescription with others, store the drugs in a secure place, dispose of them properly so they don't end up in anyone else's hands, and get help if you or someone you know has a substance abuse problem by calling 1-800-662-HELP.

Related Resources:

• The Facts of Painkillers
• Drug Safety Is Partly Patient's Responsibility
• When Are Pain Medications Appropriate for Arthritis?
• Extended-Release Opioid Analgesics Relieve Osteoarthritis Pain

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_{Photo by Garrett Bautista (iStockphoto)}