Prescription Pain Medicine Still the Drug of Choice in Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has identified generational preferences in drug use statewide over the past 20 years. While data shows many middle aged Tennesseans prefer alcohol, and marijuana is the primary ‘high’ of choice among those in their 20’s and 30’s, prescription pain medicine continues to be the state’s reigning drug of choice across most age groups.

Based on a review of two decades worth of state-funded substance abuse treatment admission data, collected from 1992 to 2012, research confirms the troubling trend of prescription drug abuse across multiple age groups.

The conclusion: Tennesseans are increasing their consumption of prescription pain medicine, whether they’re in their 50’s, 30’s, 20’s or teens.

“Prescription drug use increased among all the age groups we looked at, and jumped significantly among those in their 20s and 30s,” said E. Douglas Varney, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. “It’s especially concerning to see the data on Tennesseans in their 50s and older, who for years were primarily abusing alcohol, getting hooked on prescription opioids.”

Based on State Funded Treatment Admission Data 1992 – 2012

– 59% of 21-24 year olds list Rx Drugs as their primary substance of abuse

– 49% of 30-34 year olds list Rx Drugs as their primary substance of abuse

– 21% of 50-54 year olds list Rx Drugs as their primary substance of abuse

Drug Treatment Admission Trends in Tennessee 1992 – 2012

– Admissions among 12 – 14 year olds in 2001 showed heavy use of marijuana. As they moved into their 20s, they maintained their use of marijuana, increased their abuse of prescription drugs and reduced their use of alcohol and cocaine.

– Admissions among those in their early to mid-30s today, who in their late-teens were primarily seeking treatment for abusing alcohol and marijuana, are now primarily listing prescription pain medicine as their drug of choice, and reducing  their use of alcohol, cocaine and marijuana.

– In 1992 Tennesseans who were in their mid-30s primarily sought treatment for an addiction to alcohol. Now in their mid-50s, alcohol continues to be the most frequently listed substance of abuse for these Tennesseans. This age group has increased their prescription drug use and decreased the use of alcohol and cocaine.

“It’s very clear the addiction to prescription drugs continues to ravage Tennesseans of all ages with the greatest impact occurring among our young people in communities across the state,” said Commissioner Varney. “We will continue to focus on strategies to reduce the supply and easy availability of prescription pain medicines, in cooperation with law enforcement and other Tennessee agencies. Additionally, we will ensure all Tennesseans have the opportunity to seek treatment and recovery for their addictions.”

Information about admissions to state funded substance abuse treatment are available from 1992 to 2012. For each admission, a patient can list up to three substances of abuse.