Statistics on Oxycodone Abuse

Oxycodone is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs to those who are dealing with moderate to severe pain. Unfortunately, there are people who take this drug illegally as they enjoy how it makes them feel.

According to statistics compiled by the International Narcotics Control Board, the United States was the top country in terms of oxycodone consumption from 2006 to 2008.

For more than 100 years, people have been using oxycodone for medical purposes. Over time, however, the number of people abusing the drug has increased.

Here are some additional statistics related to oxycodone abuse:

Oxycodone is a dangerous opiate which contributes to many overdose deaths each year.

• The US Department of Health and Human Services notes that roughly 11 million people will consume one dose of oxycodone for non-medical purposes.
• Oxycodone abuse impacts people in all age groups with the trend pointing towards those in the lower to middle class. This is due in large part to the fact that it is easier than ever before to access this drug.
• In the United States, roughly 100,000 people are admitted to hospitals every year for misusing oxycodone and other pain killing drugs.

As if the statistics above are not alarming enough, here is one from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that should open your eyes as to how dangerous prescription painkillers can be:

• Approximately 12 million Americans abused some type of prescription painkiller in 2012. Along with this, about 15,000 people die every year from overdosing on this type of drug.

This information shows that when abused, painkillers can lead to injury, illness, and even death.

Who is at Risk?

Anybody is at risk to develop an oxycodone addiction. That being said, research has proven that some groups are more vulnerable to abuse. These groups include:

• People who have a mental illness and a history of addiction or abuse.
• Low-income people.
• Those who take a high daily dosage of oxycodone or another painkiller.
• People who obtain multiple oxycodone and painkiller prescriptions from several medical professionals.

The statistics alone show that oxycodone abuse remains a major problem in the United States.

This drug has many benefits when used in the appropriate manner, allowing a person with moderate to severe pain to get the comfort they need. On the other side of things, entirely too many people are abusing the drug for the way it makes them feel. This includes those who “doctor shop” for prescriptions as well as those who obtain oxycodone in an illegal manner.