Pain sufferers risking overdoses, national survey finds

As many as 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, by one estimate, but recent survey results show that many face additional health problems because they misuse OTC drugs. Failure to take medication as directed can lead to overdose—which subsequently can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and even death. The finding comes from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), which commissioned the Harris Poll online query of about 250 doctors within the specialty and about 1,000 adults aged 30 years or older.