Trends in Nonmedical Use of Prescription Pain Relievers: 2002 to 2007

A new federal report finds that nonmedical use of pain relievers has ticked up over the last 5 years.



This report only includes information about reported use in the last 30 days. A report released in 2007 included information about reported use in the last year.



I find that 13.2% number very troubling for these reasons:

• People tend to view misuse of prescription drugs as safer than street drugs.
  
• Addiction to these drugs is a common pathway to heroin addiction.
  

Information on preventing misuse of these drugs is available here.