Prescription drug-related deaths spike in Florida

Associated Press - July 1, 2010 10:44 AM ET

MIAMI (AP) - Fatalities caused by prescription drug abuse are quickly
rising in Florida.

A new report from the state's medical examiners shows deaths from the
prescription painkiller oxycodone jumped 26% in 2009 from the previous year.

Florida is a leading source for the illicit purchase of prescription
drugs, with addicts and dealers from across the Southeast flocking to
pain clinics.

Prescription drugs continued to outpace illegal drugs as a cause of
death last year, accounting for almost 2,500 fatalities. Drug control
officials say the vast majority are accidental overdoses.

The state is launching a database to track painkiller sales, which
lawmakers hope will prevent the same patient from receiving narcotics
from multiple doctors.