Over 6 million Americans abuse prescription painkillers, which now cause more overdoses than heroin and cocaine combined.

Prescription painkillers are second only to marijuana in illegal drug use.

Many times, the addiction starts innocently enough. You may legitimately use painkillers after surgery or for chronic pain.

But it’s easy to get hooked on the sense of euphoria provided by the drugs.

As the July 4th arrest of Al Gore III showed, prescription drug abuse is growing among teenagers and college kids, too.

Gore III was arrested for illegally possessing marijuana, Valium, Vicodin, and Xanax. Those drugs plus alcohol and Adderall, a stimulant for attention deficit disorder, are college favorites.

From 2002 to 2005, prescription drug abuse among 18- to 25-year-olds increased by 17%. College prescription drug abuse rates were highest among men, whites, fraternity and sorority members, and at schools in the Northeast.

In 2005, there were more new abusers of prescription drugs than any other illegal drug.

Prescription drugs are readily available and don’t carry the stigma of street drugs like heroin.

Nearly 60% of abusers get their prescription drugs from family or friends. They also get them from websites that don’t require a prescription or they “doctor shop” to get multiple prescriptions.

Some abusers even forge prescriptions.

These drugs are highly addictive and almost impossible to quit without medical help. Successful treatment may include detox, medication, and counseling. Recovery support groups are also helpful.

But relapse rates are high.

Many people mistakenly believe prescription drugs are safer than street drugs.

Unfortunately, that’s not true. Accidental prescription drug deaths are increasing.