2025 Medical Review Officer Online Course with Live Discussion (Includes Digital Syllabus)-Tab 3

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentation discusses the epidemiology of substance use in the U.S., highlighting that illicit drug use peaks between ages 18-26 and declines with age. Education lowers usage rates, with college graduates less likely to use drugs. Geography affects drug trends, with certain regions, like the Interstate 29 corridor, experiencing higher methamphetamine use. Men, the unemployed, certain occupations (e.g., food service, entertainment), and those with mental illness are more prone to substance misuse. Major surveys like SAMHSA’s NSDUH provide data on drug and alcohol use. Marijuana use has risen with legalization, and opioids remain a critical issue, with the U.S. consuming disproportionate amounts of hydrocodone and oxycodone. Fentanyl-related overdose deaths are increasing sharply, worsening the opioid crisis. Other substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, and benzodiazepines remain problematic. Workplace drug use mirrors general trends; about 25% admit to on-the-job substance use, with certain sectors at higher risk. The Drug-Free Workplace Program encourages comprehensive policies and testing, which help reduce use but do not eliminate it. Federal drug testing strictly prohibits considering marijuana prescriptions as legitimate due to its Schedule I status. ADA laws protect individuals in treatment but do not prevent workplace drug testing. Overall, substance use continues to challenge healthcare, public safety, and workplace productivity in the U.S.

Keywords

substance use epidemiology

illicit drug use age trends

education and drug use

geographical drug trends

opioid crisis

workplace drug use

drug-free workplace policies