Overcoming Prescription Drug Addiction

Product Description This newly revised fourth edition delves into the most widely abused narcotic in the United States: prescription drugs. Drawing from his personal, tragic experiences and his background as a counselor, Rod Colvin offers help and hope to those who struggle with this devastating disease, as well as their families. The topics discussed include the nature of addiction as a chronic, progressive disease; drugs of addiction and how they hijack the brain; the most commonly abused prescription drugs; treatment options, including medical detox and family interventions; and insights on recovery offered by addiction medicine physicians. This latest edition includes an emphasis on treatment for painkiller and tranquilizer addiction. Colvin examines how powerful narcotics are fraudulently acquired relatively easily through doctor and pharmacy shopping, and buying drugs from rogue Internet pharmacies. A collection of compelling stories from addicts who describe their journeys into recovery are also included. Review "This book is a unique and valuable resource. It is concise and easy to read, yet it's comprehensive, thoroughly researched and contains outstanding authoritative references."  —Alan S. Hollister, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine and pharmacology, University of Colorado, on the first edition"As a physician working with the problems of addiction, I strongly recommend this book. Prescription drug abuse has not received the attention it deserves. This book sheds light on an important and compelling issue."  —David Smith, MD, president, Society of Addiction Medicine, on the first edition About the Author Rod Colvin has served on an advisory panel for the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, Columbia University, which did a landmark study on prescription drug abuse, and maintains the popular website www.prescriptiondrugaddiction.com. He is the author of Prescription Drug Abuse and Prescription Drug Addiction. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska.