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Chart 15 



This chart details the percentage of individuals in both the Medicaid and general populations who 

 use each respective substance. The prevalence of drinking and drug use are projected from 

 national figures from the National Health Interview Survey data adjusting for a larger female to 

 male ratio in the Medicaid population (females have a lower drinking rate) and for a lower 

 socio-economic status (those in lower socio-economic status have higher drinking prevalence). 



r 



The figures do not account for overlapping use of drugs. 



Medicaid-specific smoking prevalence rates by age and sex were obtained from the National 

 Medical Expenditure Survey. The significantly higher percentages for smoking among the 

 Medicaid population are of concern, particularly since these figures are most pronounced for 

 women during their reproductive years. 



The numbers on alcohol and drug use are self-reported. Since individuals tend to be reluctant 

 to admit to alcohol abuse or illegal drug use, consumption rates for heavy alcohol use or drug 

 use are likely to be significantly understated for the whole population, not just for Medicaid. 



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