Prescription Drugs Abuse Directory

Benzodiazepine Abuse Basics

Benzodiazepines are a type of medication known as tranquilizers -- familiar names are Valium and Xanax -- that are easily abused. Learn more about the effects, symptoms, and abuse of these drugs.

Drug Overdose Basics

Learn how to recognize a drug overdose - either intentional or accidental - and what to do about it.

Barbiturate Abuse

Barbiturates, once commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders, can cause death even in small doses - and their abuse is on the rise among teens. Learn more about the effects of barbiturates.

Substance Abuse: Know the Signs

It’s not just about illegal drugs. Using pain meds, alcohol, and other legal substances the wrong way can also harm your health.

Rx Drug Abuse: Common and Dangerous

Experts explain how teens and adults alike are vulnerable to prescription drug abuse for medications ranging from Oxycontin to Ritalin.

Back Pain: Medication and Addiction

Narcotic addiction is a risk, especially for chronic pain treatment, but the larger problem may be untreated pain.

7 Dangerous Drug Mistakes

Experts explain the dangers of mixing drugs, not checking labels, and other common drug mistakes.

Teen Drug Slang: Dictionary for Parents

Understanding slang words for drugs gives parents a key tool in monitoring their teens for drug abuse.

Dangers of Street Drugs and Cosmetic Surgery

Why does your cosmetic surgeon need to know if you use drugs? Dr. Robert Kotler explains.

Hiding Drugs in Plain Sight

Ever wonder how your child might hide his or her drug use from you? Get the inside scoop from this teenage drug abuser.

Commonly Abused Drugs

This slideshow features pictures of commonly abused prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including depressants, pain relievers, and stimulants.

Pill Identification Tool

How Parents Can Prevent Teen OTC Drug Abuse

A drug rehab counselor talks about how parents can prevent those first steps to teenage drug addiction.

Preventing Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse in Teens

A mother and psychologist whose teenage daughter’s drug abuse began with over-the-counter medicines reflects on why she didn’t see it sooner.