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“In 2010, approximately 16 million Americans reported using a prescription drug for nonmedical reasons in the past year; seven million in the past month” (National Drug Intelligence Center, 2002, p. 1). “Nonmedical use of a prescribed medicine is use by someone who does not have a prescription for the medication, or use of the prescribed medicine by someone who does not have a prescription in a manner that is not directed or approved by the prescribing physician” (DuPont, 2006, p. 1). The misuse of prescription medication is an expanding health problem in the United States today. An individual taking her own medication exactly as prescribed is not misuse, but giving one pill to a friend or loved one is prescription abuse. In fact, it is against the law. Most people overlook the fine print at the top (or bottom) of the prescription label that clearly states: “Caution: Federal law prohibits transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed.” Then again, some people are very aware of the fine print but choose to ignore it. Many people believe that because the prescription is written by their doctor, it is safe. This is not the case! Prescription narcotics are just as dangerous as illicit drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, if not used correctly. “There were approximately 6,000 deaths from accidental overdosing in 1990, but that figure has almost quintupled as of 2007, reaching 27,658” (Kluger, 2010, Abstract). Although prescription drugs are necessary to treat certain medical conditions, abuse of narcotics, such as stimulants, sedatives, and opiods, is steadily increasing.
Simply put pain relievers are for relieving pain. Some commonly prescribed pain relievers are Vicodin, Hydrocodone, Percocet, and OxyContin. The effects on the brain and body from opiods are drowsiness, mental confusion, nausea, constipation, respiration

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