Painkillers: Prescription Dependency

by Ida Walker

Overview

Statistics on drug use show that abuse is decreasing. That's the good news. But there's bad news as well: the abuse of prescription drugs is increasing. Among the most abused prescription medications are painkillers, something many people have in their medicine cabinets. In Painkillers: Prescription Dependency, you will find out what pain really is—and what it isn't—as well as the history of pain. The book also provides up-to-date information about painkillers and how they are abused. Special attention is given to OxyContin, which has expanded addiction to new groups of people. Treatment methods are also covered—but the best route is never to become addicted!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781422293027
Publisher:	Mason Crest
Publication date:	09/02/2014
Series:	Illicit and Misused Drugs
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	14 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	6 - 18 Years

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

1 What is Pain? 9

2 The History of Pain 19

3 The Painkillers 35

4 The Abuse of Prescription Painkillers 53

5 OxyContin 73

6 Treating Prescription Painkiller Addiction 89

7 The Law and Prescription Painkillers 107

Glossary 117

Further Reading 120

For More Information 121

Bibliography 122

Index 124

Picture Credits 126

Author/Consultant Biographies 127

Editorial Reviews

This book is part of a series aimed at empowering readers by providing correct information, and it does an excellent job of achieving this goal. Walker includes information about what pain is and how it has been perceived through recorded history as well as in different cultures. In the Middle Ages, pain had religious significance. Modern Americans have more reported pain than the Japanese and New Zealanders. Treatments for pain have grown as marketing has increased. The science in the explanations is clear and accurate. There is a great deal to be learned about both history and science in this book. Opiates act on cell signaling molecules called ligands. This is information Advanced Placement Biology students learn. The explanation for “BCE” instead of “BC” and “CE” instead of “AD” was faultless. After morphine was isolated, it was widely prescribed, used, and overused. In fact, the Sears Roebuck catalog even offered a kit with syringes, needles, vials, and a carrying case for one’s personal supply of morphine. The perception that prescription drugs are safer than street drugs may influence the new user. The reader’s vocabulary about prescription addiction will be broadened through reading this book. The last part has stories of people from all over who become addicted and suggests several effective dependency treatments. Students should have access to this book. Reviewer: RevaBeth Russell; Ages 12 to adult.

Children's Literature - RevaBeth Russell