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.

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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