Presentation Type
Poster
Clinical History and Characteristics of Persons with Oxycodone-Related Deaths in Hillsborough County
Abstract
Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the United States. Within the State of Florida, prescription drugs accounted for 69% of all positive toxicology reports found by the medical examiner’s office (Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 2008). Specifically, Hillsborough County has some of the highest numbers of prescription drug related deaths in the state of Florida with oxycodone being the leading drug involved (Hillsborough Medical Examiner’s Office, 2010). Therefore, it is important to examine characteristics and correlates of these accidental deaths in Hillsborough County. Data was obtained from toxicology reports during 2009 on 115 individuals who died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs, oxycodone alone or in combination with other drugs. Characteristics that are being reviewed include age, gender, history of mental health and/or substance abuse, current oxycodone prescription, any previous overdose attempts, and the classification of drugs in terms of function. Although oxycodone directly attributed to accidental overdose, other drugs were detected ranging from two to eight drugs. Expected results will examine demographic characteristics and their association with toxicology level. These findings will be important to disseminate to local treatment providers, policymakers, and law enforcement due to the rising level of prescription drug addiction.
Categories
Behavioral Sciences
Research Type
Course Related
Mentor Information
Dr. Kathleen Moore
Clinical History and Characteristics of Persons with Oxycodone-Related Deaths in Hillsborough County
Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the United States. Within the State of Florida, prescription drugs accounted for 69% of all positive toxicology reports found by the medical examiner’s office (Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 2008). Specifically, Hillsborough County has some of the highest numbers of prescription drug related deaths in the state of Florida with oxycodone being the leading drug involved (Hillsborough Medical Examiner’s Office, 2010). Therefore, it is important to examine characteristics and correlates of these accidental deaths in Hillsborough County. Data was obtained from toxicology reports during 2009 on 115 individuals who died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs, oxycodone alone or in combination with other drugs. Characteristics that are being reviewed include age, gender, history of mental health and/or substance abuse, current oxycodone prescription, any previous overdose attempts, and the classification of drugs in terms of function. Although oxycodone directly attributed to accidental overdose, other drugs were detected ranging from two to eight drugs. Expected results will examine demographic characteristics and their association with toxicology level. These findings will be important to disseminate to local treatment providers, policymakers, and law enforcement due to the rising level of prescription drug addiction.
