The non-medical use and abuse of Prescription drugs is a serious issue in the US. Many people take prescription medications responsibly. However, according to NIDA,  roughly 52 million people (20% of those aged 12 and older) take prescription medications for non-medical reasons i.e., to get high or to change their mood at least once in their lifetime. Young people were strongly represented in this group. The most commonly abused prescription drugs include opioids, stimulants, and tranquilizers. The abuse of such prescription drugs can lead to various potential health issues, including addiction.

Here is a list of facts that you need to know about prescription drug abuse:

Fact 1

Nearly 7 million Americans use prescription drugs like pain relievers, stimulants, and tranquilizers non-medically.

Fact 2

Prescription painkiller abuse is one of the most difficult addictions to treat.

Fact 3

According to CDC, approx. 40 people die every day due to prescription painkiller abuse.

Fact 4

1 in 20 people in the U.S. (12 and over) admit to non-medical use of prescription painkillers in the past year.

Fact 5

90% of addictions starts in the teenage years.

Fact 6

1 in 6 teens have taken prescription medications in order to get high or to change their mood.

Fact 7

Women are 55% more likely to abuse prescription drugs than men.

Fact 8

Approx. 55% of non-medical users get pain relievers free from friends or relatives, 10% bought from a friend or relative, 5% took from a friend or relative without their permission, 5% bought from a drug dealer, 18% from a doctor and 7% from other sources.

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