In recent years, the media has inundated us with coverage of the increasing abuse of prescription painkillers. This is a book on the impact of prescription painkiller abuse on individuals, communities, and society. It offers information on the history, social impact, pharmacology, and addiction treatment for commonly abused, highly addictive opiate prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet, and Darvocet. The author, chief medical officer at the Hazelden Foundation, provides context for understanding the current drug abuse problem by tracing the history of opiods and the varying patterns of use over time. He then offers an in-depth study of controversial issues surrounding these readily available drugs, such as over prescription by physicians and adolescent abuse. Also included is a straightforward look at the leading treatment protocols based on current research. -- From publisher.