New Research Study Reveals 60% of Adult Americans Misuse Prescription Medications And Possibly Suffer From Prescription Drug Abuse

ONE80CENTER was not surprised by the results of a new Quest Diagnostics study that revealed that 60% of Americans misuse prescription medications, leading to prescription drug abuse. Examining men and women of all ages, income levels and health plans, the study conclusively showed that the subjects used pain medication and other prescription drugs contrary to clinician orders. Prescription drug abuse leads directly to alarming health risks and the rise of addiction.

Prescription Drug Abuse Study

Comprised of nearly 76,000 laboratory tests for monitoring prescription drug use and the possible abuse of prescription drugs, the extensive study indicate that the majority of Americans tested misused medications, including potentially addictive pain killers. From missing doses to combining medications with other drugs, the forms of medication misuse and prescription drug abuse were recorded in a wide range. Prescription pain medication abuse, however, was the worst.

The study found high rates of inconsistency with clinical orders and pharmaceutical instructions particularly when it came to opioid pain medications, such as oxycodone in the form of OxyContin (44%). In addition, misuse and abuse of central nervous system depressants like Xanax (50%), and stimulant amphetamines like Adderall (48%) were extremely high as well.

The study’s insights into the Prescription drug epidemic was based on an analysis of 75,997 de-identified urine lab test results of patients of both genders in 45 states and the District of Columbia performed by the company’s clinical laboratories in 2011. Patients were tested for the presence of up to 26 commonly abused prescription medications and illicit drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana.

Prescription Drug Abuse Gender Equality

What is fascinating in the findings were that men and women were equally likely to suffer prescription drug abuse. In contrast, the illegal drug abuse of men was higher with two in ten (21%) testing positive for cocaine, marijuana or PCP compared to 15% of women. All positive drug screens in the study were confirmed by mass spectrometry, the most advanced drug testing method. The analysis did not include results of drug rehabilitation clinics, which may be more likely to exhibit unusually high rates of drug inconsistency.

Why is the clinical team at ONE80CENTER not surprised by the findings of this study of prescription drug abuse? The answer is simple: We have seen the exact same trends in our own work and with our clients, both in and out of our facilities. These findings are not isolated events or a mass exception to the rule. Prescription drug abuse is the new American plague. If you or a loved one or a co-worker is suffering from the disease of prescription drug abuse or addiction, please contact ONE80CENTER today by calling 888.593.2301. The right time to take action is today.