TRUMBULL COUNTY Deaths by drug surpass slayings

The report notes that there was a decline in motor vehicle fatalities in 2001.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Deaths caused by OxyContin abuse have doubled in Trumbull County, outstripping the number of homicides, coroner officials say.
Dr. Humphrey Germaniuk, the county forensic pathologist, and Dr. Ted Soboslay, coroner, note in the Trumbull County Coroner's Office's annual report that 14 deaths in 2001 were related to OxyContin.
In 2000, seven deaths were related to the prescription painkiller, which is often prescribed for cancer patients, but has become the latest fad drug.
"Last year we raised concern that the number of OxyContin-related deaths were approaching the homicide rate," Soboslay said. "This year the OxyContin-related death rate exceeded the homicide rate."
Homicides
The report notes that there were 10 homicides in the county in 2001.
"While OxyContin is an important and useful drug in the management of chronic pain, we feel that the potential for abuse is real as evidenced by the greater number of OxyContin-related deaths in Trumbull County this year when compared to last year," Soboslay said.
The coroner's office also noted that a toddler's death was caused by accidentally swallowing the drug.
"Hopefully the appropriate steps will be taken by those responsible for prescribing this drug to curb abuse," Soboslay said.
The report also notes that OxyContin appears to involve the Caucasian community, specifically white males who are in their 30s and 40s. Of the 14 deaths related to OxyContin, 10 were male and 4 were female.
Preventable deaths
Soboslay and Germaniuk note that the reason the coroner's office issues the report is to identify and define common preventable factors in death in an effort to reduce the death rate in the county.
"In order to provide and maintain a certain quality of life, medicine must also study death," Soboslay said.
The report also notes that there was a decline in motor vehicle fatalities. In 2001, there were 21 fatalities compared with the 34 reported in 2000.
"We hope that this trend continues and that those responsible for this decrease are commended," Soboslay said. "On the other hand, the two major factors that still play a significant role regarding death on the highway are alcohol and the lack of seat belt usage."
More than 50 percent of all automobile fatalities occurred with unbelted drivers, and out of the 21 deaths, 14 tested positive for drugs and/or alcohol, the report states.
sinkovich@vindy.com