In this edition of Prevention Research, our attention is focussed on two pharmaceutical drugs causing the most harm; opioid analgesics, (used to treat pain), including codeine; and benzodiazepines, including Valium®, used to treat stress, anxiety and insomnia. Both types of drugs are generally only recommended for short-term use, but they are commonly being used for long periods of time in Australia.

• Introduction — p.6
• Harmful use of pharmaceuticals — p.8
• How big is the problem? — p.11
• Pharmaceutical drugs causing the most harm — p.14
• Alternative treatments — p.18
• Who is at risk of harm? — p.28
• What is causing the problem?— p.34
• What is being done to address the issue? — p.36
• What else can be done? - Health literacy; Awareness raising; What can health professionals do?; What can parents do?; What can workplaces do?; What can communities do? — p.52
• Conclusion — p.54
• Resources — p.58