By: Frances M. Harding, Director, SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention

Results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show that an estimated 6.0 million Americans aged 12 or older misused psychotherapeutic drugs (pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives) at least once in the past month.
Prescription drug misuse continues to be a major public health problem in the United States, specifically prescription pain relievers. Misuse of prescription pain relievers represents the second most common type of illicit drug use. Prescription drug misuse is use of a drug in any way not directed by a doctor or other prescriber. This includes: