According to a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more Americans are using prescription drugs than are using tobacco products—a full 7 percent more.

The Washington Post reports that in 2015, 31 percent of Americans used cigarettes, cigars, or smokeless tobacco, while 35 percent used prescribed painkillers, and an additional 3 percent obtained painkillers by other means. Of course, most of those drugs are used as instructed by doctors to treat chronic pain and assist recoveries. But there's a reason America is in the midst of an opiate crisis right now, one that led to 28,000 overdoses and 19,000 deaths in 2014.

31 percent of Americans used cigarettes, cigars, or smokeless tobacco, while 35 percent used prescribed painkillers

People very easily get hooked on painkillers, and in some cases, turn to more deadly drugs, like heroin. On the backend, the opioid industry dodges regulation, fighting to overuse prescription pads to bolster the 227 million opioid prescriptions written last year alone.

Back in the day, the tobacco industry was hit by FDA regulations, forced health warnings on packaging, and taxes. Now, a new drug is taking its place, one with a familiarly powerful lobby, lax health guidelines, and political friends. Just saying.

Speaking of drugs, that potential medical marijuana cure to heroin addiction could stand a second look.

Sarah Rense Sarah Rense is the Associate Lifestyle Editor at Esquire, where she covers tech, food, drink, home, and more.

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