By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – We talk a great deal about painkillers and the problem of addiction. It is a growing issue in this country.

There is more information from the CDC looking at the issue. Methadone accounts for 2% of painkiller prescriptions in the US but it is involved in 30% of deaths by prescription painkillers. Methadone has been a big weapon in the battle against addiction but in recent years it has been used as a pain reliever.

To give you an idea of the numbers, the CDC found that six times as many persons died from methadone in 2009 as compared to 1999. One of the biggest issues is that some people are selling these medications on the street and now it is becoming an increasngly popular substance of abuse.