Oklahoma tops all states when it comes to non-medical use of painkillers. A federal survey determined that 8.1 percent of Oklahomans age 12 and older used painkillers for non-medical reasons during a 12-month period ending in 2009. The national average was 4.8 percent. Oklahoma’s rate was considerably higher than those of surrounding states; next in line were New Mexico and Colorado, both 5.7 percent.
Here's the full list of the top 10 states with the highest percentage of persons age 12 and older who use painkillers for non-medical purposes:
1. Oklahoma – 8.1 percent
2. Oregon – 6.8 percent
3. Rhode Island – 6.1 percent
4. Washington – 6.1 percent
5. Arizona – 6.0 percent
6. Kentucky – 6.0 percent
7. Nevada – 5.9 percent
8. New Hampshire – 5.9 percent
9. West Virginia – 5.9 percent
10. Idaho – 5.8 percent
The U.S. average is 4.8 percent.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration