1 in 10 adults have a painkiller prescription, CDC finds

Ten percent of Americans age 20 and older had a painkiller prescription from 2015-18, according to survey results recently released by the CDC. 

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The survey involved home interviews to find insights on the country’s painkiller use from 2015-18. Across all age and race demographics, painkiller use was slightly more prevalent in women than men.

The results broken down by age:

  • 20-39: 5.4 percent
  • 40-59: 12.7 percent
  • 60 and older: 15.1 percent

The results broken down by race:

  • non-Hispanic Asian: 4.5 percent
  • non-Hispanic white: 11.6 percent
  • non-Hispanic Black: 10.1 percent
  • Hispanic: 8.5 percent

Access the full data brief here.

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