A lot of drug addiction cases start with prescription drugs. Why? If you are prescribed a medication, you're supposed to take it in increments, so that you don't take too much or too little. However, some people take it and then think that they may need more. Then it's an on-going cycle of needing more and more and you eventually get addicted.

Reasons people abuse opioids:

-Creates feeling of pleasure

-Relieves pain

-To be accepted by peers

-May believe it'll help with depression

Health Risks:

-Abusing opioids can lead to overdose, which can result in death.

-Mood and behavior changes, different thinking patterns that could result in bad decisions.

-Breathing problems.

This is Lexi. She was a star student and athlete in high school. However, she suffered an injury from playing basketball and was prescribed medication to take for her leg. However, she discovered that the more she took at a time, the better she felt. At least that's what she thought. Lexi ended up becoming addicted to opioids at the age of 18, and she hasn't been the same since. Recently she had an overdose, and she's just gotten out of the hospital. We are hoping that this was an eye-opening experience for her. Let's take a look at the next few pages to see how this goes.

I've missed you so much, I'm glad to see that you're okay. I've been looking into rehab facilities, I think it'd really be good for you and you'd be happy, what do you think?

I'm not sure I can do it, I'm happy to still be alive but I need these drugs, I can't live without them.

It looks like Lexi has had a change of clothes. She decided to meet up with a good friend of hers to catch her up. Her friend feels sympathetic for her, and would love to help. But Lexi isn't sure if she's ready. She believes that she wouldn't be happy without the drugs, and even though she just went through a traumatic experience, she doesn't want to change just yet.

Lexi is back home now and has realized her poor kitty hasn't eaten in days. "I can't believe I forgot to feed you, I'm so sorry" She says. She thinks more about what her friend had said about getting help, should she take the opportunity? Let's find out if she does.