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In 2005, more than 4 million adults ages 18 to 24 reported using prescription pain relievers nonmedically in the past year, according to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

More than one-half (53%) of these young adults obtained the pain relievers free-of-charge from a friend or relative.

The other most commonly mentioned methods were obtaining them from prescriptions from one doctor (13%) and buying them from a friend or relative (11%).

Users who also met the criteria for prescription pain reliever abuse or dependence were less likely to report obtaining the drugs free from a friend or relative (38%) but were more likely to report buying the drug either from a friend or relative (20%) or a drug dealer (13%).

This report is available online.

For details, including data charts, source information and caveats, download the PDF file at www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/cesarfax/vol15/15-47.pdf.

Reprinted from CESAR Fax, a weekly, one-page overview of timely substance abuse trends or issues, from The Center on Substance Abuse Research (CESAR) at the University of Maryland.