Growth in Number of Prescription Drug Overdoses 2004-2009

"In 2009, 1.2 million emergency department (ED) visits (an increase of 98.4% since 2004) were related to misuse or abuse of pharmaceuticals, compared with 1.0 million ED visits related to use of illicit drugs such as heroin and cocaine (3)."

Source: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vital Signs: Overdoses of Prescription Opioid Pain Relievers — United States, 1999–2008, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, November 4, 2011 / 60(43);1487-1492