Facts on Painkiller Abuse

 

• The United States is the world’s largest consumer of painkillers, using 71% of the world’s oxycodone and 99% of the world’s hydrocodone.

• 50% Painkiller abusers get their drugs from friends or family members.

• Painkiller addicts often doctor hop and get multiple perscriptions filled. 

• About 16 million people in the U.S. abuse prescription medications.

• An estimated 20% of high school students admit to taking a prescription drug without a doctor's prescription.

• Prescription drug abuse rates are highest during the teens and 20s,and among those in their 50s ("baby boomers").

• Prescription drug abuse is responsible for 60% of overdose-related deaths.

• About 1.4 million emergency room visits can be attributed to prescription drug abuse each year.