Prescription drug abuse is a lesser-known problem that continues to grow unabated. While most people take medications for their intended use, many others do not. Not only does this lead to serious health problems, but those who need prescription drugs are left out by abusers. Drugs are easily accessible and in large quantities – the perfect prescription for drug addicts. Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem leading to addiction and overdose; doctors should be better trained before prescribing drugs and patients should go through more thorough procedures before getting the required amount. The misuse of prescription drugs escapes the sight of most Americans and has been for decades. Drug use dates back to 1933, when the US Army used amphetamines during World War II (DEA). Use increased in the post-war period by everyday citizens. Before drug regulation, it was considered harmless behavior. Since the 1930s, prescription drug abuse has only grown dramatically, and for the wrong reasons: “Participants reported non-medical use of prescription drugs to change mood, to facilitate activity and to monitor the intake of other substances” (Silva np). Small doses lead to larger doses, often followed by the use of more flagrant substances such as cocaine and heroin. The statistics are scary: “46% of children under 18 (34.4 million) live in a household where someone 18 or older smokes, drinks excessively, abuses prescription drugs, or uses illegal drugs ” (CASA Colombia). This is an extreme crisis and not without consequences. Those directly affected include children with substance abusing parents, parents with troubled teenagers, families, hospital workers and doctors who ... middle of paper ... process that needs to be changed. Therefore, patients have to undergo more thorough processes before obtaining the required amount of narcotics. The key is communication between doctor and patient about the severity of the need for medication: a second doctor can help limit the patient's doses and keep the patient's well-being a priority. Regulation in the doctor's office is the genesis of solving America's massive prescription drug problem. Thanks to the structure, communication and relationship between patient and doctor, doses can be monitored and prescribed only when necessary. In response to this, crime, overdose, death and violence numbers will show an immediate decline. Prescription drug abuse is a problem in society that continues to progress; the solution is increased doctor training and more thorough processes before patients can acquire medications.