American journal of preventive medicine
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New Mexico has the highest rate of drug-induced mortality in the United States. The contribution of prescription drugs to the total overdose death rate has not been adequately described. ⋯ The rate of prescription drug overdose death in New Mexico increased significantly over the 10-year study period. Comprehensive surveillance of drug overdose deaths is recommended to describe their occurrence in the context of both medical and diverted use of prescription drugs. Understanding decedent profiles and the potential risk factors for prescription drug overdose death is crucial for effective drug overdose prevention education among healthcare providers.