However, the reality is that many prescription drugs are almost identical chemically to illegal drugs.  Many prescription drugs are incredibly addictive and incredibly dangerous if used incorrectly. 

Not only are many Americans getting hooked on prescription drugs by accident, but also the number of Americans abusing prescription drugs on purpose is rapidly growing.

According to the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 4.7 million Americans use prescription drugs non-medically.  In particular, the growth of the non-medical abuse of prescription drugs by teens is particularly troubling.

According to a stunning 2007 survey conducted for the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 15 percent of U.S. high school seniors abuse prescription drugs.  The type of prescription drugs that are most commonly abused in this manner include codeine-based painkillers such as oxycodone (OxyContin) and those containing hydrocodone (Read More....)