Michelle Meadows

In the following viewpoint, Michelle Meadows asserts that prescription drug abuse is an increasingly serious problem. Meadows maintains that people who abuse prescription drugs, such as OxyContin and Ritalin, are seeking psychological effects while avoiding the stigma of “street drugs.” However, she contends that prescription drug abuse, like heroin abuse, can be fatal and can encourage criminal and irresponsible behavior. Meadows is a writer for FDA Consumer, a publication of the Food and Drug Administration.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What are the factors that cause prescription drug abuse, according to Meadows?
2. As stated by the author, why did many people believe that OxyContin would pose a lower risk for abuse?
3. What is the preoccupation associated with psychological addiction, according to the author"

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