Download Unintentional Drug Poisoning Deaths in Michigan

Unintentional Drug Poisoning
Deaths in Michigan
In 2010, there were 973 deaths due to unintentional drug poisonings in
Michigan. Of these deaths, 22.7% involved opioid analgesics.
Opioid analgesics are narcotic drugs that are usually prescribed to relieve
pain (ex. oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone)1.
Unintentional Drug Poisoning Deaths by Major Drug Type,
Michigan Residents, 1999-2010
Number of poisoning deaths
350
300
Unspecified drugs
250
Opioid analgesic
involvement
Other specified drugs
200
150
Heroin only
100
Cocaine and heroin
50
Cocaine only
0
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Year
From 1999-2010:
The total number of unintentional poisoning deaths rose from 235 to 973.
Poisoning deaths involving opioid analgesics increased by 8.3 fold, more rapidly
than those from any other drug.
The number of prescriptions filled in Michigan for opioid analgesics also
increased substantially over this time period2.
References: 1. Warner, M, Chen LH, Makuc DM. Increase in fatal poisonings involving opioid analgesics in the United States, 1999-2006.
NCHS data brief, no 22. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2009. 2. Michigan Department of Community Health,
Michigan Epidemiological Profile, March 2012.
Produced by: Bureau of Disease Control, Prevention, & Epidemiology and Bureau of Substance Abuse &
Addiction Services. Data Source: Death Certificates, 1999-2010, Division for Vital Records & Health Statistics.
For more information, visit: www.michigan.gov/substanceabuseepi or www.michigan.gov/mdch-bsaas.