The proportion of admissions to substance treatment programs for abuse of narcotic prescription medications, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine has increased in the past 10 years, while those for cocaine abuse declined

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Feb, 2005

The proportion of admissions to substance treatment programs for abuse of narcotic prescription medications, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine has increased in the past 10 years, while those for cocaine abuse declined, states the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Washington, D.C.

Marijuana and heroin admissions led the increase, each jumping to 15%. Cocaine admissions, on the other hand, declined to 13%. Alcohol, however, remains the most abused substance among those seeking treatment, accounting for 43% of admissions. Further, 45% of today's primary alcohol abuse admissions reported secondary drug abuse.