Includes bibliographical references (pages 237-244).

Part 1. The problem. My medical history ; It could happen to you ; Medical mistakes ; Adverse reactions and insufficient research ; Misuse of medications ; Slow kill and deadly combinations ; Over-the-counter medications -- Part 2. The solution. Sometimes you need to think ; Let's get practical, part 1 ; Let's get practical, part 2 ; The rest of the story ; The law of love -- Appendix A: Drugs withdrawn from the market -- Appendix B: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) medicaion classifications -- Appendix C: How a medication gets to market -- Appendix D: Most-prescribed medications in 2010.

Not nearly enough is being said about this growing epidemic. The recent deaths of several celebrities have shone a spotlight on the overuse and abuse of prescription drugs. Most people believe that these medications aresafer than illegal substqances. But when combined with other prescription or over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs can be every bit as powerful, additive, and dangerous.