Prescription drug-related deaths spike in Florida

MIAMI - Fatalities caused by prescription drug abuse are quickly rising in Florida.

New reports from the state's medical examiners and a drug research center at Nova Southeastern show a nearly 40 percent increase in deaths caused by painkillers and other prescription drugs. More than 8,600 died in 2009, compared with 6,200 in 2008.

Fort Lauderdale and St. Petersburg reported the largest numbers of fatalities.

Cocaine-related deaths were down, but the reports show a disturbing trend. Drug abusers once stuck to one substance, but researchers say victims are increasingly mixing prescription painkillers with narcotics like heroin and cocaine.

Deaths linked to cocaine fell 30 percent in Miami, but painkillers were a contributing factor in 68 percent of them.