Inside the “epidemic” of prescription painkiller abuse

Insight

Here in the United States, abuse of prescription painkillers has been called a “silent epidemic.” Millions of Americans abuse these drugs each year and an average of 46 Americans die each day of painkiller overdoses.  It’s a trend that is appearing in other parts of the world, too. CCTV’s Hendrik Sybrandy looks at the painkiller issue though the eyes of a recovering addict.


Dr. David Gastfriend on prescription drug abuse

While prescription drug abuse is most common here in the United States other places, like Europe, Southern Africa and South Asia are also seeing a rise. CCTV America’s Mike Walter talked about the problem with Dr. David Gastfriend, CEO of the Treatment Research Institute.

Follow Mike Walter on Twitter @mikewaltercctv