Compared to Distribution

an indicator guage with the arrow in the green the value is in the best half of communities.

an indicator guage with the arrow in the yellow the value is in the 2nd worst quarter of communities.

an indicator guage with the arrow in the red the value is in the worst quarter of communities.

Compared to Target

green circle with white tick inside it meets target; red circle with white cross inside it does not meet target.

Compared to a Single Value

green diamond with downward arrow inside it lower than the comparison value; red diamond with downward arrow inside it higher than the comparison value; blue diamond with downward arrow inside it not statistically different from comparison value.

Trend

green square outline with upward trending arrow inside it green square outline with downward trending arrow inside it non-significant change over time; green square with upward trending arrow inside it green square with downward trending arrow inside it significant change over time; blue square with equals sign no change over time.

Compared to Prior Value

green triangle with upward trending arrow inside it higher than the previous measurement period; green triangle with downward trending arrow inside it lower than the previous measurement period; blue equals sign no statistically different change from previous measurement period.

green chart bars Significantly better than the overall value

red chart bars Significantly worse than the overall value

light blue chart bars No significant difference with the overall value

gray chart bars No data on significance available

Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs

Measurement Period: 2018-2019

This indicator shows the percentage of persons aged 12 years and older who report nonmedical use of prescription drugs (pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives) in the past year.

Why is this important?

Despite what many teens and adults think, abusing prescription drugs is not safer than abusing illicit drugs. There’s a reason that usage of these medications is overseen by a doctor. Improper usage can result in dangerous short- and long-term health problems. Depending on the class of drug, prescription drug abuse can result in dangerously high body temperatures, irregular heartbeat, slowed breathing, disorientation, and seizures, just to name a few effects. Additionally, many of these drugs have the potential to cause addiction. It’s important that these medications are only taken under the guidance and supervision of a doctor.

More...