|Articles|February 11, 2008

Actor's death from opioids underscores dangers of prescription drug abuse

The American Society of Addiction Medicine urges physicians to prescribe opioids with care following the death of actor Heath Ledger.

The recent death of actor Heath Ledger from the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine has underscored the dangers of misuse of prescription drugs. The

Newsletter

Pharmacy practice is always changing. Stay ahead of the curve with the Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips.

Subscribe Now!

Related Content

Latest CME

Innovations in Medicine: 2024 Lineup of New and Approved Specialty Drugs
Online Article

Innovations in Medicine: 2024 Lineup of New and Approved Specialty Drugs

2.0 Credits / General Pharmacy

View more
Innovations in Medicine: 2024 Lineup of New and Approved Specialty Drugs (Pharmacy Technician Credit)
Online Article

Innovations in Medicine: 2024 Lineup of New and Approved Specialty Drugs (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

2.0 Credits / General Pharmacy

View more
Empowering Patients With COPD: The Pharmacist's Role in Personalized Treatment Strategies
On-Demand Webinar

Empowering Patients With COPD: The Pharmacist's Role in Personalized Treatment Strategies

1.0 Credit / Pulmonology/Respiratory

View more
Understanding the Pearls and Pitfalls of Nimodipine in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Opportunities to Improve Patient Outcomes
Webinar Registration

Understanding the Pearls and Pitfalls of Nimodipine in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Opportunities to Improve Patient Outcomes

January 8, 2026 | January 22, 2026 | February 19, 2026 | March 5, 2026 | 1:00 PM & 8:00 PM ET

View more
Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Introduction and Disease Burden (Pharmacy Technician Credit)
On-Demand Webinar

Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Introduction and Disease Burden (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

0.5 Credit / Immunization

View more
Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: RSV Case Discussion (Pharmacy Technician Credit)
Case Conversation

Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: RSV Case Discussion (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

0.75 Credit / Immunization

View more
Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Considerations for the Pharmacist (Pharmacy Technician Credit)
On-Demand Webinar

Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Considerations for the Pharmacist (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

0.5 Credit / Immunology

View more
Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Incorporating ACIP Guidelines (Part 2)
On-Demand Webinar

Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Incorporating ACIP Guidelines (Part 2)

0.5 Credit / Immunization

View more
Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Introduction and Disease Burden (Part 1)
On-Demand Webinar

Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Introduction and Disease Burden (Part 1)

0.5 Credit / Immunization

View more
Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Considerations for the Pharmacist (Part 3)
On-Demand Webinar

Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Considerations for the Pharmacist (Part 3)

0.5 Credit / Immunization

View more
Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: RSV Case Discussion
Case Conversation

Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: RSV Case Discussion

0.75 Credit / Immunization

View more
Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Incorporating ACIP Guidelines (Pharmacy Technician Credit)
On-Demand Webinar

Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Incorporating ACIP Guidelines (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

0.5 Credit / Immunization

View more
Navigating Diabetes: A Guide to Effective Oral Treatments
Online Article

Navigating Diabetes: A Guide to Effective Oral Treatments

1.0 Credits / Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism

View more