On this page: About this objective | Methodology | History
About this objective
Data
National baseline: 0.65 percent of persons aged 12 years and over reported prescription pain reliever misuse initiation in the past 12 months in 2021
National target: 0.45 percent
Methodology
Questions used to obtain the national baseline data
From the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health:
Numerator:
In the past 12 months, did you use [prescription pain reliever type] in any way a doctor did not direct you to use it? Please think about the first time you ever used [prescription pain reliever type] in a way a doctor did not direct you to use it. How old were you when you first used [prescription pain reliever type] in a way a doctor did not direct you to use it?- AGE __________
- CURRENT YEAR-1
- CURRENT YEAR
- CURRENT YEAR-2
- CURRENT YEAR-1
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
Methodology notes
Past year initiates include those who used that substance (misused in the case of prescription pain relievers) for the first time in the past year. Misuse of prescription pain relievers is defined as use in any way not directed by a doctor, including use without a prescription of one's own; use in greater amounts, more often, or longer than told; or use in any other way not directed by a doctor. Prescription pain relievers do not include over-the-counter drugs.
History
In 2024, the baseline was revised from 0.74% in 2017 to 0.65% in 2021. The target setting method, minimal statistical significance, remained the same; however, the target was revised from 0.62% to 0.45% using the 2021 data.