The nonmedical use of prescription-type drugs continues to be a problem among 12th grade students, according to data from the 2007 national Monitoring the Future survey.

Fifteen percent of 12th graders reported the nonmedical use of at least one prescription medication within the past year. Narcotic drugs, such as OxyContin and Vicodin, were the most prevalent (9.2%), followed by amphetamines (7.5%), sedatives (6.2%), and tranquilizers (6.2%).

With the exception of amphetamines, the nonmedical use of these prescription-type drugs has gradually increased among this population over the past decade.

For details, including data charts, source information and caveats, download the 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.