1. March 2004 Prescription Drug Abuse in the United States

2. Nonmedical use of prescription drugs, reported by 6.2 million persons in 2002, is second only to marijuana use. (incl. crack) Past Month Users, Ages 12 and Older (in Millions) Source: SAMHSA, 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 2/2004

3. Pain relievers account for the largest portion of nonmedical use of prescription drugs. Past Month Users, Ages 12 and Older (Thousands) Source: SAMHSA, 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 2/2004

4. Nonmedical use of prescription drugs is most prevalent among young adults and youth. Users (Percentage) Source: SAMHSA, 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 2/2004

5. Over 2 million are estimated to be dependent on or abusing prescription drugs in the past year. Past Year Dependent/Abusers, Ages 12 or Older (in Thousands) Source: SAMHSA, 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 1/2004

6. Past Year Users (Percent) Source: University of Michigan, 2003 Monitoring the Future study. 2/2004 The rate of Vicodin ® use in the past year ranks second to marijuana use among 12th graders in 2003.

7. Number of mentions Emergency department mentions of narcotic analgesics (pain relievers) rose steadily and have overtaken benzodiazepines (sedatives) in 2002. Source: SAMHSA, Drug Abuse Warning Network. 2/2004

8. Number of mentions Oxycodone and hydrocodone both registered substantial increases in emergency department mentions in the last 5 years. Source: SAMHSA, Drug Abuse Warning Network. 2/2004

9. Prescription Drug Diversion Control Funding Dollars (in Millions) Source: DEA, Diversion Control Fee Account (DCFA). For FY 2005, the funding shown represents the portion of DEA’s DCFA relating to prescription drug control. 2/2004