While marijuana continues to be the most prevalent illicit drug used among U.S. high school seniors, the nonmedical use of narcotic drugs is the second most prevalent drug used among this population, according to data from the national 2006 Monitoring the Future study.

Nearly one in ten twelfth grade students reported using prescription-type narcotic drugs, such as Vicodin® and OxyContin®, in the past year without a doctor’s order.

Other drugs used by more than 5% of 12th graders include amphetamines, over-the-counter cough or cold medicines, tranquilizers, sedatives, and cocaine.

The nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers is also the second most prevalent illicitly used drug among the U.S. household population ages 12 and older.

For details, including data charts, source information and caveats, download the PDF file at www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/cesarfax/vol16/16-02.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.