From 1992 to 2003, misuse of opioid prescription painkillers increased by 140%.
Americans, who represent less than 5% of the world's population, are by far the largest group of opioid users; 80% of the world's supply of opioids (and 99% of the hydrocodone available globally) are used by people in the United States.
The increase in the legitimate use of opioids has been paralled by a rise in abuse of these drugs, with a 63% increase in opioid deaths during the 5-year period from 1999 to 2004.
Multiple investigations have shown prevalence of drug abuse around 20% and as high as 58% in patients receiving opioids for chronic pain.
According to the 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health:
Almost 2 million Americans are opioid dependent.
Approximately 4.7 million teenagers and adults used opioid prescription painkillers for nonmedical purposes
Statistics for your state may be available at https://nsduhweb.rti.org/
Approximately 32.7 million Americans report having used opioid prescription painkillers for nonmedical purposes at least once in their lives.
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