Prevalence of Self-Reported Prescription Opioid Use and Illicit Drug Use Among US Adults NHANES 2005-2016

Objective: To estimate the self-reported prevalence of prescription opioid use and illicit drug use in the United States. Methods: Self-reported prescription opioid use and illicit drug use (mostly nonopioid) were obtained for adults and adult workers (NHANES 2005-2016). Results: Prevalence (95% CI) of prescription opioid use was 6.5% (6.0-7.0) (adults) and 4.1% (3.7-4.5) (workers). Prevalence of illicit drug use was 9.5% (8.8-10.1) (adults) and 10.2% (9.4-11.1) (workers). Among occupations, prevalence of prescription opioid use was highest in personal care (6.5%; 4.1-10.4) and healthcare practitioners (5.9%; 3.8-9.0); for illicit drug use, construction/extraction (18.0%; 15.1-21.3) and food preparation (15.8%; 12.5-19.7). Conclusion: The prevalence of prescription opioid use was elevated among some occupations. Judicious prescription strategies and targeted interventions are both needed. The prevalence of illicit drug use among certain occupational groups suggests the need to ensure access to therapy.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the self-reported prevalence of drug use in the United States and found that the use of prescription opioids was higher in certain occupations. It highlights the need for judicious prescription strategies and targeted interventions. Additionally, the study also identified a high prevalence of illicit drug use among certain occupational groups, emphasizing the importance of ensuring access to therapy.