Although more than half of Americans misuse prescription drugs, the percentage that did so has held steady for four consecutive years, according to a new analysis. Meanwhile, though, there has also been a surge in the use of illicit drugs and medicines obtained without a prescription among patients being treated for substance use disorders.
The overall rate at which drugs were misused was 52 percent last year, according to an analysis of approximately 3.9 million laboratory test results that were stripped of identifying patient information. The so-called misuse rate has barely budged since 2014, but marks a notable decline from the 63 percent rate found in 2011, according to Quest Diagnostics (DGX), the laboratory testing company, which conducted the analysis.
As the company does each year, Quest sifted through laboratory test results for what it called inconsistencies, which were defined as a patient taking a medicine with other drugs for which they do not have a prescription, a prescription drug that was not taken as expected, or patients who skipped doses.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.
Already have an account? Log in
About the Author Reprints
To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.
