FUTURE TRENDS ACTIVITY
Chapter 11:
Substance-Related and Impulse-Control Disorders
Addiction by Prescription: A Growing National Problem
A recent 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), showed that the second most popular category of drug use after marijuana is the non-medical use of prescription drugs. An estimated 6.2 million people, 2.6 percent of the population aged 12 or older are misusing prescription drugs. Of these, an estimated 4.4 million used narcotic pain relievers, 1.8 million used anti-anxiety medications (also known as tranquilizers), 1.2 million used stimulants and 0.4 million used sedatives.
Discuss the growing problem of abuse and addiction to prescription medications.
