Opioids second only to marijuana in illicit drug abuse rates

Opioids second only to marijuana in illicit drug abuse rates

(HealthDay)—Abuse of prescription opioids is second only to marijuana abuse as the most common illegal drug problem in the United States, according to a report from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Analysis of 2012 to 2014 national data found that 4.31 percent of Americans aged 12 and older reported nonmedical use of prescription opioids in the past year. However, nonmedical use of did decline between 2010-2012 and 2012-2014 nationally and in 13 states.

Nonmedical opioid use was most common in Oklahoma, Alabama, Arkansas, and Nevada, all with rates exceeding 5 percent. The lowest rates—less than 3.5 percent—were in Massachusetts, Vermont, Florida, Montana, and Minnesota, the report noted.

"Prescription pain relievers when used properly for their intended purpose can be of enormous benefit to patients, but their nonmedical use can lead to addiction, serious physical harm, and even death," Kana Enomoto, SAMHSA acting deputy assistant secretary, said in an agency news release. "We must educate the public on the serious health risks involved, train prescribers to recognize signs of misuse, and provide evidence-based treatment to those who need it."

More information: More Information

Copyright © 2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Citation: Opioids second only to marijuana in illicit drug abuse rates (2017, July 17) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-07-opioids-marijuana-illicit-drug-abuse.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Teens who misuse pain meds are more likely to abuse drugs as adults

6 shares

Feedback to editors