Deaths caused by methadone, a narcotic drug used to treat chronic pain and drug dependence, have increased significantly over the past 10 years according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, the CDC reports that methadone deaths increased a startling 468% (no, that's not a misprint) from 1999 to 2005 alone. But why?

The facts

Methadone, or Dolophine, has been around for over 50 years. While it is a low cost treatment for those who are attempting to decrease their usage of stronger narcotics such as heroin, it is also commonly used by patients who suffer with chronic pain. However, according to the CDC, many doctors do not realize that methadone stays in the body from between eight to 59 hours after dosing and that has caused death rates from methadone use to increase significantly. Here are some facts from the CDC (www.cdc.gov/):

• Methadone poisoning deaths increased 468% from 1995 - 2005. To put this number in context, the CDC reported that poisoning deaths from other drugs only increased an average of 66% over the same time period and said that of all narcotic drugs mentioned in poisoning deaths, methadone had the largest relative increases during that period.
• Death rates highest for those between ages 35 and 54. Death rates are highest for this age group than for those who are younger or older. In fact, the CDC stated that the death rate for those 55-64 years of age was nine times greater in 2005 than it was in 1999. <1i>10 states with the highest reported methadone deaths. The following 10 states reported the highest reported methadone related deaths in 2005:
  1. Florida 430
  2. North Carolina 299
  3. Washington 269
  4. California 213
  5. Texas 199
  6. New York 179
  7. Ohio 158
  8. Kentucky 156
  9. Maryland 145
  10. Tennessee 134

The importance of discussing your situation with a professional

If you or a loved one has been injured or died from methadone use, it's important not to assume that the injury or death was accidental without finding out more. To discuss your situation with an experienced attorney whose practice focuses in this area of the law, please click here. Consultations are free, without obligation and are strictly confidential.