With prescription painkiller abuse garnering more attention from the media and policymakers, the latest Kaiser Family Foundation Health Tracking Poll finds most Americans have a personal connection to the issue.In total, 56 percent report a personal connection to painkiller abuse, because they either know someone who has taken a painkiller that wasn't prescribed to them; have been addicted to painkillers themselves or know someone who has; or know someone who died from an overdose. Whites are more likely than Blacks and Hispanics to say they have a personal connection to prescription painkiller abuse (63% vs. 44% and 37%, respectively).The poll provides a detailed look at the public's views, experiences and knowledge about prescription painkiller abuse, including a look at the importance they place on the issue
