9781422288122

Contents

Introduction

7

1. What are prescription painkillers? 2. What are the downsides of these drugs?

10 12 14 16 18

3. What are opioids? 4. What is OxyContin ® ? 5. What is Percocet ® ? 6. What is Vicodin ® ?

20 7. What are some of the other dangerous prescription painkillers? 22 8. What happens to your body when you use painkillers? 24 9. What is the history of painkillers? 26 10. Why are some painkillers addictive? 28 11. What do painkillers do to your brain? 30 12. Do teenagers abuse painkillers? 32 13. How can you tell if someone is becoming addicted to painkillers? 34 14. Are painkillers and crime connected? 36 15. What happens if you mix alcohol and painkillers? 38 16. More questions? 40 Further Reading 42 Find Out More on the Internet 43 Glossary 44 Index 46 Picture Credits 47 About the Author and the Consultant 48