This manuscript is about educating parents and youth on the safe and proper use of medications to avoid the potential dangers of prescription and substance drug abuse and misuse. The author was inspired to write this book in an effort to help parents and teenage youth, particularly adolescents (12 to 17 year-olds) about the dangers of abusing opioid prescription drugs, substances, and alcohol. In this book the reader will learn to define and describe patterns of prescription (opioid) drug and alcohol abuse while identifying the commonly abused prescription drugs and reasons for abuse in a solution focused approach to educating, preventing and treating prescription ( opioid) drug, alcohol, and other substances use disorders. The author addresses America's struggles with the epidemic of drug substance and alcohol addiction, and how important it is for families to be able to break the feeling of isolation, by connecting with community resources, and by having access to drug education, information, and services that promote health and wellness. The author, believes in assessing the "root cause" of substance use, pain and other underline health issues in order to develop an appropriate plan of action to problem solve the health or pain issues. She also believes in collaboratively referring patients and clients to pain specialists, psychotherapists or detox centers for evaluation. Dr. Miranda believes that as a society we must have understanding and patience. Thus, this book is a valuable resource for relatives, friends, or neighbors of youth who are or were addicts to drug or substances, as well as those who have died from drug or substance abuse. This is an excellent read for those who want to be a help for hope and healing! Dr. Miranda M. Hill Jones is a community pharmacist and Drug Information Director of Metro Drug Information Services, Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She serves as a clinical professor and board of governors at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy. She earned her doctorate of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy and her Juris Doctorate ( J.D.) degree from Western Thomas Cooley Law School. She is a certified Integrated Nutrition Health Educator Coach. She provides lectures, workshops and newsletter articles on various drug and health topics. She can be reached at www.drmirandajones.com.
