The purpose of any prescription pain reliever is pain management, which enables a person to go to school or work, perform daily activities, and carry on a normal life. When used correctly, a properly prescribed pain reliever can help to restore a healthful quality of life. But taking prescription pain medication at any time for any reason other than pain relief is a dangerous practice. An estimated one in five teenagers between ages 12 and 17 has abused prescription pain relievers in the United States, according to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Because these drugs can often be found in the medicine cabinet at home, there is a common misconception among teens that they are safe in comparison to street drugs. Prescription Pain Relievers exposes the truth about these drugs, noting that the fact that they can be legally obtained does not diminish the risk of their use.
