Do Americans overuse prescription medications?

[JNelson6563]

12. I know a few serious addicts

that started out years ago with prescriptions. Now life revolves around the junk for these poor souls. Oh and they make life hell for everyone around them. I can't get over how many take the various opiates out there because they like them, but then again I have seen the horrors of the steps beyond recreational or managed long-term use up close and personal.

There are doctors out there that seem to prescribe unnecessary pain meds that the patients turn around and sell at a tidy profit. Often times on the day patient goes for office visit to re-up the 'script they actually have to take some of their meds to pass the dr's office drug test.

On the other hand, I had a bad experience at a hospital last fall. Several hours and about $1000 later I walked out with a 'script for 20 vicodins. I knew I hadn't broken anything. If there's a next time and I just need to deal with some pain beyond the scope of motrin, I'll hit the black market and pick up whatever I need for a few bucks a pop and save a bundle.

Like everything else there's the upside and the downside. Sadly though, in this case, it's mostly downside.

Julie