NCJ Number
235725
Date Published
April 2011
Length
4 pages
Annotation
After providing an overview of the prevalence and dangers of prescription drug abuse, this paper describes the Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan developed by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), lists the classes of frequently abused prescription drugs, and summarizes facts about prescription drug abuse.
Abstract
Prescription drugs are the second most abused category of drugs in the United States, following marijuana. When used beyond the dosage and frequency prescribed by a physician, prescription drugs are as dangerous and life-threatening as illegal drugs. The most commonly misused prescription drugs are in three classes: opioids (oxycodone and methadone); central nervous system depressants; and stimulants that include methylphenidate and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine. According to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, among people ages 12 or older who reported using pain relievers without a personal prescription, 70 percent obtained the drugs from a friend or relative (free, purchased, or by theft). Another 18 percent reported getting the drug from one doctor. Only about 5 percent reported obtaining pain relievers from a drug dealer or other stranger. This suggests that it is important for persons who use pain relievers regularly by prescription to protect such drugs from use by others and ensure that any unused drugs are property disposed. In 2011, the ONDCP released the prescription drug abuse prevention plan, "Epidemic: Responding to America's Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis." The plan outlines action for reducing prescription drug abuse. The components of the plan consist of education, prescription drug monitoring programs, proper medication disposal, and enforcement of laws against improper prescribing practices. Statistical data are provided on the prevalence and consequences of prescription drug misuse among various age groups. 2 figures