Dept. of Health Services: Drug overdoses are a leading cause of injury deaths in Wisconsin

MADISON -- More Wisconsin residents died in 2013 as a result of drug overdose than from motor vehicle crashes, suicide, breast cancer, colon cancer, firearms, influenza, or HIV, according to a special report (link is external) released today by the Department of Health Services.

Opioid pain relievers, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone, contributed to 45 percent of the 843 drug overdose deaths in 2013, while heroin contributed to 27 percent.

Drug overdose deaths in Wisconsin doubled from 2004 to 2013.

“From urban areas to rural communities, drug overdoses are a public health crisis,” said DHS Secretary Kitty Rhoades. “DHS is focusing our efforts on reducing inappropriate use of prescription pain relievers, as well as providing resources for recovery from the addictions that can lead to overdoses.”

Other key report findings:


    DHS is expanding its opioid abuse prevention and treatment efforts. Recently awarded federal grants and state dollars provide funding for these new programs in Wisconsin: