Fewer Americans reported misusing pain relievers in 2018

The number of U.S. residents misusing pain relievers fell by 11% in 2018, to about 9.9 million, according to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Hydrocodone products were the most misused type of pain reliever, with an estimated 5.5 million people reporting misuse of the drug in the past year. About one in five people reported using an illicit drug in the past year. Marijuana remains the most widely used illicit drug, with 43.5 million reporting past-year use. Heroin-related opioid use disorder declined among adults aged 18-25, as did cocaine, prescription stimulant, methamphetamine and hallucinogens use. People with mental illness were more likely to use cigarettes and illicit drugs, misuse opioids and binge drink. “The number of Americans misusing pain relievers dropped substantially, and fewer young adults are abusing heroin and other substances,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. “At the same time, many challenges remain, with millions of Americans not receiving treatment they need for substance abuse and mental illness.”