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Some people inaccurately refer to all drugs as narcotics, but only opioids can be properly classified as narcotic drugs. Pictured here is hydrocodone, an opioid pain medication sold under the trade name Vicodin.

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

chronic — an illness that persists for a long time. epidemic —a widespread occurrence of a disease or affliction. over-the-counter (OTC) medication —a medicine that can be sold to the public without requiring a doctor’s prescription. prescription —an instruction written by a medical professional authorizing a patient to receive a medication. scourge —a person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering.

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Painkillers: The Scourge on Society