Prescription drug abuse now more deadly than heroin, cocaine combined

A new study shows that deaths from prescription drug overdoses have quadrupled during the past decade, suggesting that a stronger response is needed.

State Rep. Steve Davisson discusses Indiana's new website to combat prescription drug abuse rate at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis in August.

Rick Callahan/AP/File

More people are dying in the US from prescription drugs than from heroin and cocaine combined, a new study says, signaling that pill abuse is not just the leading cause of drug overdose deaths, but that it also requires more oversight and training by both doctors and state health agencies.

MORE @ http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2013/1007/Prescription-drug-abuse-now-more-deadly-than-heroin-cocaine-combined