More than 116 million people—one-third of Americans—suffer from chronic pain, with the number rising as baby boomers age. Do you have a friend or loved one who uses prescription drugs? Do you worry about the dangers these miracle drugs pose? There’s good reason for concern, because powerful prescription drugs cause more deaths than heroin and cocaine combined—with someone dying every 14 minutes.

Grim headlines are familiar. Celebrities such as Whitney Houston and Heath Ledger have died from overdoses of legal drugs. Teens mix legitimate medicines, seeking a heroin-like high—and pay with their lives. Elderly patients may apply more drug patches than prescribed, trying to control pain, only to be found dead the next morning.

Prescription Drug Abuse explains why—even though only a minority misuse prescription drugs—the government cracks down on everyone—and how it has contributed to homelessness. The unintended consequence of this broad enforcement is that many people suffering from excruciating pain are denied the medicine they need. Too often, terminally ill patients die in agony while the government restricts access to their medicine.

Prescription Drug Abuse reveals the signs of drug abuse, explains how intimates can struggle with feeling guilty, and describes how to put together a team to conduct an “intervention,” with a step-by-step approach.

Carefully researched and written in clear, easy-to-understand language, Prescription Drug Abuse explores the pluses and minuses of powerful legal medicines. Essential reading for anyone taking prescription drugs—and anyone worried about a friend or family member who may be abusing them.

QUIZ: Is My Loved One a Prescription Drug Abuser?