Press Room

Prescription drug misuse remains a top public health concern

(1/14/2013)

Prescription drug misuse remains a top public health concern
SAMHSA
January 8, 2013

Prescription drug misuse is second only to marijuana as the nation’s most prevalent illicit drug problem, with approximately 22 million persons nationwide initiating nonmedical pain reliever use since 2002, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The report also shows variations in use by state, with combined 2010 and 2011 data indicating that rates of past year misuse among those aged 12 or older ranged from 3.6 percent in Iowa to 6.4 percent in Oregon.

View the full article here: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1301084404.aspx

Keywords: prescription, drug, misuse, public health, concern

Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for substance use and mental disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.

National Recovery Month 2013

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Behavioral Health is Essential to Health
Prevention Works
Treatment is Effective
People Recover

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration • 1 Choke Cherry Road • Rockville, MD 20857 • 1-877-SAMHSA-7