The number of people admitted to treatment center from prescription drug abuse increased over 400% in a decade, according to a study by the federal government.

The director of the White House Office of Drug Control, Gil Kerlikowske stated that prescription drug abuse is now the second most common form of drug abuse in the United States.

An annual report National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates the number of drug abusers in the United States and the type of prescription drugs most commonly abused.

Common prescription drugs abused are Vicodin, OxyContin and morphine, according to the study. The number of people seeking treatment from prescription pain relievers increased from 2.2. percent in 1998 to 10 percent in 2008, another study found.

June report by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration evaluated that in just four years from 2004 to 2008, emergency room visits associated with prescription drug abuse doubled.