SAMHSA reports decline in non-medical use of pain relievers

An estimated 4.3% of Americans reported using prescription pain relievers non-medically in the past year when surveyed in 2012 to 2014, down from 4.6% in 2010 to 2012, according to a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Estimates by state ranged from 3.4% in Minnesota to 5.3% in Oklahoma, with 13 states showing declines over the period. The findings are from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which defines non-medical use as using the drugs simply for the experience or feeling they caused. The authors said the report can help state policymakers target efforts to address substance abuse.