While there is some evidence that the number of prescriptions for narcotics has been declining for the last few years, the overall numbers remain extremely high. As this article points out, we are currently at three times the prescription rate when compared to 1999! That means there is still much work to be done.

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Also, despite this data showing that the number of prescriptions is declining, the number of opioid-overdose related deaths continue to climb. It will likely take many more years – perhaps even decades – of lowered prescription rates to put a dent in the opioid crisis.

One of the most disturbing bits of information is that – of the people who are dying from opioid overdose – more are dying from prescription drugs than street drugs!

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