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Prescription Drug Abuse
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Short Description: Prescription drug abuse is a significant emerging problem in the United States ... Among those who abuse prescription drugs, high rates of other risky ...
Content Inside: Prescription Drug Abuse March 2008 A Research Update from the National Institute on Drug Abuse Prescription drug abuse is a significant emerging problem in the United States In 2006, approximately 7.0 million persons were current users of psychotherapeutic drugs taken nonmedically (2.8 percent of the U.S. population). This class of drugs is broadly described as those targeting the central nervous system, including drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders (NSDUH, 2007). Pain relievers - 5.2 million Tranquilizers - 1.8 million Issues of Concern Stimulants - 1.2 million Percent of 12th Graders Reporting Sedatives - 0.4 million. Nonmedical Use of OxyContin and Vicodin in the Past Year Remained High Abuse of prescription drugs is particularly 12.0 problematic among adolescents. 10.5 9.6 9.3 9.5 9.7 9.6 10.0 NIDA's 2007 Monitoring the Future t 8.0 (MTF) survey found continued high r c e n 6.0 5.5 4.5 5.0 5.2 rates of nonmedical use of the Pe 4.0 4.3 4.0 prescription pain relievers Vicodin and 2.0 OxyContin in each grade. In 2007, many 12th grade students reported 0.0 OxyContin Vicodin nonmedical use of Vicodin and OxyContin during the past year9.6% 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 and 5.2%, respectively (figure). No year-to-year differences SOURCE: University of Michigan, 2007 Monitoring the Future Study are statistically significant. And while the non-medical use of some stimulants (i.e., methamphetamine) decreased among 12th graders between 2006 and 2007, levels reported remain high. For past year nonmedical use of amphetamines, 7.5% of 12th graders reported abuse; for Ritalin, 3.8% reported abuse; and for methamphetamine, 1.7% reported abuse. It is generally believed that the broad availability of prescription drugs (e.g., via the medicine cabinet, the Internet, and physicians) and misperceptions about their safety make prescription medications particularly prone to abuse. Among those who abuse prescription drugs, high rates of other risky behaviors, including abuse of other drugs and alcohol, have also been reported. Most commonly abused classes of prescription drugs Opioids, such as OxyContin and Vicodin, which are most often prescribed to treat pain; Central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as Valium and Xanax, which are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders; and Stimulants, which are prescribed to treat certain sleep disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and include drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall. Risks of prescription drug abuse Opioids: High risk for addiction and overdose. This is a major concern, particularly for recently synthesized slow- release formulations, which abusers override by crushing the pills and injecting or snorting the contents, heightening their risk for respiratory depression and death. Dangerous combination effects. Combining opioids with other drugs, including alcohol, can intensify respiratory distress.
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