Nearly half (48.6%) of all Americans used at least one prescription drug in the past 30 days. Prescription drug abuse statistics are much more moderate, but many people occasionally misuse prescriptions. Depending on the type of prescription, that can result in a substance use disorder. Some quick prescription drug abuse stats include:
- Approximately 16 million Americans aged 12 and over abuse a prescription drug each year.
- 2 million drug abusers are also addicted to their prescription medication.
- 5.76% of Americans abuse an addictive drug each year.
Unfortunately, long-term use of some prescribed drugs can result in addiction, even when taken as directed. Managing some chronic health conditions comes with a risk of addiction, but users can take consistent steps to battle addiction and avoid illicit use.
Commonly Misused Prescription Medications
The most commonly abused prescription drugs in the United States are stimulants, sedatives and opioid painkillers. Prescription pain medications are by far the most widely abused drugs in the United States — and the most dangerous. Around 16,706 people lost their lives to prescription opioid overdoses in 2021 alone, a sharp increase from the 14,139 deaths reported just 2 years prior.
Stimulant medications such as Ritalin, Adderall and other amphetamines are prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Over the past few decades, these drugs have become increasingly popular among students for their supposed effect of promoting wakefulness and increasing focus.
Doctors prescribe depressant medications, such as benzodiazepines and tranquilizers, to help manage certain anxiety and sleep disorders. These drugs can create feelings of euphoria at higher doses and eventually create physical and psychological dependence. Overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines accounted for approximately 12,499 lives in 2021.
Dangers of Abuse
Three categories of prescription drugs often result in abuse and eventually addiction with prolonged use: painkillers, sedatives and stimulants. While an overdose of these drugs can result in death, particularly when taking more than one type at a time, each carries individual health risks. For example, long-term opioid use can result in kidney damage. Using sedatives often comes with the risk of developing depression, dizziness, headaches, drowsiness and many other complications.
Taking a prescription drug as directed isn’t drug abuse, even if you experience negative side effects. Some examples of drug abuse might include:
- Taking medicine that wasn’t prescribed to you
- Exceeding dosage amounts
- Crushing or snorting pills
- Using medicine for the purpose of getting high
Taking even an antibiotic prescription that wasn’t written for you is an example of drug abuse, but this type of illicit usage isn’t included in the data collected by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
Opioid Painkillers: Vicodin, Percocet and OxyContin Addiction Rates
Common painkillers like Vicodin, Percocet and OxyContin have a high potential for abuse due to their powerful effects on the brain. Opioids are classified as Schedule II drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning they have a high potential for abuse along with legitimate medical uses, such as pain management after an accident. Painkillers are relatively quick to cause physical dependency.
Prescription painkillers have primarily driven the opioid epidemic. Overprescribing, combined with the widespread availability of these drugs, has led to a dramatic increase in addiction rates and overdose deaths. In 2021, around 3.1% of Americans admitted to misusing prescription painkillers at least once, while an estimated 5 million people were reported to have a prescription opioid use disorder. Around 6.2% of those who abused painkillers reported misusing fentanyl prescriptions.
Stimulants: Ritalin and Adderall Abuse Stats
Prescription stimulant misuse is particularly concerning among adolescents. Individuals use amphetamines for the stimulating effects, including increased focus and energy. In the past year, approximately 3% of high school students reported misusing prescription amphetamines. Out of the 3.7 million Americans who reported misuse of stimulants, about 1.5 million developed an addiction to them.
Depressants: Xanax, Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates Misuse Data
Drugs like Xanax, Valium and Ativan are often prescribed to treat conditions like anxiety, insomnia or muscle spasms. While effective when used as directed, tranquilizers and sedatives carry a high risk of misuse because of their relaxing effects. In 2021, approximately 2.2 million people aged 12 or older developed an addiction to tranquilizers or sedatives. Sudden cessation after prolonged use can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, tremors and, in some cases, life-threatening seizures.
Prescription Abuse and Other Drugs
A recent study found that people who misuse prescription drugs during their teens are more likely to develop substance use disorder (SUD) in adulthood. Additionally, 70% of people who abuse substances before the age of 13 tend to become addicted to drugs or alcohol within 7 years. In contrast, approximately a third of adolescents who experiment with drugs after turning 17 develop an SUD in adulthood.
Prescription drug misuse often goes hand in hand with other substance use, such as alcohol or illicit substances. Combining one or more types of drugs carries an increased risk of overdose. Mixing opioids or benzodiazepines with alcohol can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression. When combined with alcohol, stimulants can mask the effects of intoxication, which means you’re far more likely to consume dangerously high amounts.
Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics by Demographics
Socioeconomic factors, race and sex may all play a role in how risky certain prescription drugs may be. For example, women are 11% more likely to be prescribed a controlled substance, but men are nearly 23% more likely to abuse a prescribed drug.
The Role of Race
When looking at prescription drug abuse statistics, race only has an impact on specific drug categories. There’s no major difference in usage rates for those misusing painkillers along racial or ethnic groups, but it’s a different story when it comes to stimulants. Hispanic and white groups are substantially more likely to abuse stimulant prescription medications, and African Americans are the least likely group to misuse these prescriptions by a margin of 47% below the next highest group (Asians).
Abuse by Age Groups
Youth drug abuse has been stable or reducing for years, and that also applies to prescription drug abuse. However, the age when someone starts to misuse a drug impacts their long-term risk of developing addiction. When drug use starts can also determine how someone is most likely to use a drug, and older people tend to have access to a wider variety of drug options.
Let’s take a closer look at how many people use prescription drugs and at what ages.
The 18-25 age group is the one most likely to misuse a prescription drug, but more than 80% of patients aged 57-85 are on at least one daily medication. Accessibility is one of the most important factors when determining whether someone is likely to misuse a drug, so older patients may be at higher risk simply due to having more prescriptions available.
In the 18-25 age group, 14.4% abuse prescription drugs annually. In the 12-17 age group, only 4.9% abuse these same drugs. High school and college students tend to overuse either stimulants or painkillers, depending on the type of use. Stimulants can be used as a study aid or to get high, with those who start using them later more likely to use them as a study aid.
In some cases, using stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin as a study aid may be an indicator of an undiagnosed disorder. ADHD is thought to affect as much as 12% of the population, but many girls may have more trouble getting a diagnosis. Misdiagnosed or untreated ADHD is only one possible reason someone might start abusing stimulants.
Public Health and Community Impact
Around a third of individuals who abuse prescription medications wrongly believe they’re safer than their illicit counterparts. However, prescription drug abuse is just as damaging as any substance use disorder, and it affects more than just the individual’s health. Misuse leads to increased health care costs from frequent ER visits, hospitalizations and specialized treatments, putting strain on our health care system. Mental health programs, social services and first responders are often involved in helping those affected.
Family, friends and even employers bear the emotional and financial weight of addiction. Loved ones often face emotional distress and financial strain from having to take care of someone struggling with addiction. Employers may experience lost productivity and increased costs from missed workdays and health insurance claims.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with a prescription drug and how to use it safely, contact the National Rehab Hotline. We can help you connect with qualified mental health professionals and assist with substance use disorders at any stage.