40 Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics & Facts

Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics & Facts

• In the United States, approximately 18 million people misuse prescription drugs at least once a year.
• Prescription drug abuse is the second most common form of illicit drug abuse among teenagers, after marijuana.
• More than 70% of people who misuse prescription painkillers obtain them from friends or relatives.
• The annual economic cost of prescription drug abuse in the United States exceeds $78 billion.
• Prescription opioid abuse has been linked to a higher risk of heroin use.
• Overdose deaths related to prescription opioids have quadrupled in the United States since 1999.
• Prescription drug abuse affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Nonmedical use of prescription drugs is more prevalent among males than females.
• The most commonly abused prescription drugs are opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone.
• Between 21% and 29% of patients who receive prescription opioids for chronic pain misuse them.

Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics & Facts by State

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the United States, with millions of people affected by this dangerous and often deadly addiction. Here are some key statistics and facts about prescription drug abuse by state:

Alabama

• Alabama ranks first in the nation for opioid prescriptions per capita, with 107 prescriptions per 100 people.
• In 2018, there were 583 overdose deaths involving opioids in Alabama.

California

• California has seen a 16% increase in opioid overdose deaths between 2016 and 2017.
• In 2018, there were 2,428 overdose deaths involving opioids in California.

Florida

• Florida was one of the states hit hardest by the opioid epidemic, with prescription drug-related deaths increasing by more than 60% between 2009 and 2014.
• In 2018, there were 3,245 overdose deaths involving opioids in Florida.

New York

• New York ranks fourth in the nation for opioid-related overdose deaths.
• In 2018, there were 3,009 overdose deaths involving opioids in New York.

Texas

• Texas ranks fifth in the nation for opioid prescriptions per capita.
• In 2018, there were 2,599 overdose deaths involving opioids in Texas.

These statistics highlight the severity of the prescription drug abuse epidemic across the United States. It's crucial for individuals to seek help if they're struggling with addiction, and for policymakers to continue working to combat this public health crisis.

Prescription Drug Abuse Facts by Age

Teenagers and Young Adults

• Prescription drug abuse is a significant issue among teenagers and young adults.
• In the United States, prescription drug abuse is the second most common form of illicit drug abuse among teenagers, after marijuana.
• The majority of teenagers who abuse prescription drugs obtain them from family or friends.
• Among high school seniors in the U.S., approximately 4% report nonmedical use of prescription opioids.
• Prescription stimulants, such as Adderall, are commonly misused by college students as study aids.

Adults

• Prescription drug abuse affects adults of all ages.
• In the U.S., adults aged 18-25 have the highest rates of nonmedical prescription drug use.
• The misuse of prescription opioids is prevalent among adults dealing with chronic pain.
• Among adults with a history of substance abuse treatment, opioid overdose deaths are more common.
• Older adults are at risk of prescription drug abuse, particularly with benzodiazepines.

Elderly

• Prescription drug abuse among older adults is a growing concern.
• Older adults may misuse prescription drugs due to chronic pain, sleep problems, or mental health conditions.
• Benzodiazepines are commonly misused by elderly individuals, especially for sleep or anxiety.
• Older adults may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of prescription drugs due to age-related changes in metabolism.

Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics & Facts by Country

United States

• The United States has been significantly impacted by prescription drug abuse.
• Prescription opioid abuse has contributed to an opioid crisis in the country.
• In 2019, an estimated 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers in the past year in the United States.
• Overdose deaths involving prescription opioids have quadrupled since 1999 in the United States.
• Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) have been implemented in many states to help combat prescription drug abuse.

Canada

• Prescription drug abuse is a significant issue in Canada.
• Canada has witnessed an increase in opioid-related deaths, including those involving prescription opioids.
• In 2017, there were 4,460 apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada, with prescription opioids being a contributing factor.
• Prescription drug misuse is more common in certain provinces, such as British Columbia and Alberta.
• Harm reduction initiatives, such as supervised consumption sites, have been implemented to address prescription drug abuse in Canada.

Australia

• Prescription drug abuse is a growing concern in Australia.
• In 2016, an estimated 3.1% of Australians aged 14 years and older had misused prescription drugs in the past year.
• Prescription opioids are frequently misused in Australia, contributing to opioid-related harms.
• The misuse of prescription benzodiazepines is also a significant issue in the country.
• Australia has implemented various strategies, including regulatory measures and educational campaigns, to address prescription drug abuse.

United Kingdom

• Prescription drug abuse is a problem in the United Kingdom.
• Opioid painkillers, such as codeine and tramadol, are commonly misused in the UK.
• In 2019, an estimated 2.7% of adults in England reported misusing prescription drugs in the past year.
• The misuse of prescription benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (e.g., zopiclone) is also a concern.
• The UK government has taken steps to enhance prescription drug monitoring and support individuals affected by prescription drug abuse.