Prescription stimulant consumption in the United States compared with 35 other countries

Previous studies have identified the United States as a global outlier in stimulant prescribing. Given that stimulant prescribing in the United States has continued to increase, we aimed to provide current international comparisons.

We analyzed 2024 stimulant consumption data from the International Narcotics Control Board, reported as defined daily doses for statistical purposes (S-DDD) per 1000 population per day. We compared the United States with 35 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development members.

Overall, the United States comprised 26.8% of the population and consumed 67.6% of prescription stimulants. Per 1000 population per day, the United States had the second highest prescription stimulant consumption after Iceland. The volume of prescription stimulants consumed in the United States per 1000 population per day was 569% of the mean of comparison countries. Further, only 31.2% of consumed prescription stimulants in the United States was methylphenidate, vs 88.8% in comparison countries.

Additional research is needed on the clinical and public health consequences of these major differences in controlled substance policy and clinical practice between the United States and other countries. For example, findings suggest a need to better understand any differential addictive potential of prescription stimulant regimens.