Statistics Based on Pharmaceutical Drug Abuse
"It’s estimated that 20% of individuals in the United States have used prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes, thereby engaging in prescription drug abuse. Prescription drug addiction is a very serious and growing problem in the US" (Mount Regis Center).
Every day in the US, 2,500 youth (12 to 17) abuse a prescription pain reliever for the first time. This prescription, which is given by doctors with good reason, can easily turn into an addiction because of the pleasure obtained from the medicine.
"A 2007 survey in the US found that 3.3% of 12- to 17-year-olds and 6% of 17- to 25-year-olds had abused prescription drugs in the past month. Prescription drug abuse causes the largest percentage of deaths from drug overdosing. Of the 22,400 drug overdose deaths in the US in 2005, opioid painkillers were the most commonly found drug, accounting for 38.2% of these deaths. In 2005, 4.4 million teenagers (aged 12 to 17) in the US admitted to taking prescription painkillers, and 2.3 million took a prescription stimulant such as Ritalin. 2.2 million abused over-the-counter drugs such as cough syrup. The average age for first-time users is now 13 to 14. Depressants, opioids and antidepressants are responsible for more overdose deaths (45%) than cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and amphetamines (39%) combined." (DrugFreeWorld.org).
Every day in the US, 2,500 youth (12 to 17) abuse a prescription pain reliever for the first time. This prescription, which is given by doctors with good reason, can easily turn into an addiction because of the pleasure obtained from the medicine.
"A 2007 survey in the US found that 3.3% of 12- to 17-year-olds and 6% of 17- to 25-year-olds had abused prescription drugs in the past month. Prescription drug abuse causes the largest percentage of deaths from drug overdosing. Of the 22,400 drug overdose deaths in the US in 2005, opioid painkillers were the most commonly found drug, accounting for 38.2% of these deaths. In 2005, 4.4 million teenagers (aged 12 to 17) in the US admitted to taking prescription painkillers, and 2.3 million took a prescription stimulant such as Ritalin. 2.2 million abused over-the-counter drugs such as cough syrup. The average age for first-time users is now 13 to 14. Depressants, opioids and antidepressants are responsible for more overdose deaths (45%) than cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and amphetamines (39%) combined." (DrugFreeWorld.org).