A new national study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that from 2005 to 2009 (the most recent year with available figures) there was a 49% increase in emergency department visits for drug related suicide attempts by women aged 50 and older - from 11,235 visits in 2005 to 16,757 in 2009. "The steep rise in abuse of narcotic pain relievers by women is extremely dangerous and we are now seeing the result of this public health crisis in our emergency rooms," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. "Emergency rooms should not be the frontline in our efforts to intervene.  Friends, family and all members of the community must do everything possible to help identify women who may be in crisis and do everything possible to reach out and get them needed help."