Overdose Deaths Are Mostly Caused By 'Heroin,' State Regulates Opioid Prescription, What We Need To Know!

Overdose deaths are caused mostly by "heroin" as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is said to surpass painkillers that are prescribed.

It is indicated in a report that there has been a significant increase of heroin overdose from 2012 to 2014. The increase on the number of overdose deaths caused by the drug is mostly because of the increase on its dependency.

Heroin has been reported to be cheaper as the years go by. This is the reason why drug addicts can easily buy the drug. It is also further indicated in the same report that the use of heroin in the U.S. has been on its highest level for years.

Meanwhile, New Mexico has passed a law to oversee the prescription of opioid pain medication. This is to lessen the users of the drug and can minimize overdose. The law also makes sure that the drug will not be available in the black market. This said law is set to take effect on Jan. 1.

 This regulation is to prevent any addictive behavior which may lead to overdose. This is also a way for New Mexico to be in line with the program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The law is a way to address the nation's issue on the opioid drug epidemic.

This new regulation showed more improvement in New Mexico with regard to overdose deaths. The medical community can also monitor the prescribed drugs that are to be used only to those in need. Aside from closely monitoring the prescription, the law also helps in preventing the patient to be a black market supplier.

The patients who are treated in a hospice care and nursing homes are exempted from the opioid monitoring requirement. This new law seems to lessen the abuse of the drug and lessens the casualties from overdose.