A government report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) cites an increase in the abuse of prescription painkillers among young adults. The rate of abuse by males increased, but no significant increase was noted in females. The report also shows that abuse of prescription painkillers has decreased among teenagers.
A nationwide survey in 2007 showed that 5.2 million people aged 12 and older admitted to misusing prescription pain relievers in the past month.
