Trends in Emergency Department Visits Involving Nonmedical Use of Narcotic Pain Relievers. Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) Report

摘要

Nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers continues to be a public health issue in the United States that merits serious concern. During 2008, nonmedical use of pain relievers among persons aged 12 or older in the United States was a leading form of drug abuse, second only to marijuana. While prescription pain relievers offer important medical benefits when used appropriately, these drugs can have serious health consequences when taken without medical supervision, in larger amounts than prescribed, or in combination with alcohol or other prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The nonmedical use of pharmaceuticals and resultant medical emergencies tax the resources, including emergency care, of the Nation's already burdened health care systems.