The reality of prescription drug abuse is everywhere. The most recent episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show delves into the issues with Dr. Oz, a featured health expert for the show, best-selling author, professor and director of the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Prescription drug abuse can be a sneaky addiction because unlike other drugs, these don’t have to be injected or smoked so they seem more socially acceptable. But the effects can be just as severe. Many times an addiction begins with a legitimate prescription. Dr. Oz explains that prescription medication can be used for extended periods of time but the treatment should be altered if it is not helping to resolve the original problem.

Dr. Oz also discusses the effects prolonged abuse of prescriptions drugs can have on a person’s liver. A healthy liver works as the body’s detoxifying organ, filtering out toxins we come in contact with daily. On the other hand, a liver faced with excessive amounts of pills just can’t keep up and over time an addict may experience cirrhosis or chronic liver disease.

However, with the right treatments the damage can be reversed and the liver can regenerate itself.

http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090915-tows-dr-oz-prescription-drug