Prescription Drug Statistics and Trends

Prescription drug abuse has become a serious issue of concern in the U.S., a public health crisis tied in closely with the rise in opioid abuse across America. Prescription drugs that have addictive, mind-altering effects are now quite popular amongst drug users, indicating a need for a multi-faceted public health response.

A new study has shown schools that have a significant percentage of students with prescriptions for ADHD medication also tend to have a higher percentage of students who misuse such drugs.

A significant percentage of young people undergo their first exposure to mind-altering drugs by simply consuming leftover medications they found in the family medicine cabinet or elsewhere in the home. Because it is far easier to prevent someone from using drugs than treat addiction once the person is hooked, families should commit to creating substance-free homes.

Even as opioid prescribing rates decline, a few thousand doctors are still responsible for the significant overprescribing of opioids to the broader public. With that in mind, the American people will not overcome the opioid epidemic until all doctors and prescribers agree to adopt more conservative, cautious prescribing guidelines as outlined by the CDC.

Drug addiction affects everyone differently. While such a crisis is unique to the individual, certain demographics face challenges one might not find elsewhere. For example, military veterans who become addicted to drugs and alcohol often feel disinclined to discuss their problems or seek addiction treatment.

New information shows that young people are increasingly overdosing on prescription drugs, namely psychotropic medications such as benzodiazepines and prescription stimulants.