This advisory answers questions about the seriousness of prescription drug misuse. It explains how people become dependent on prescription drugs, and treatment options. The advisory also offers necessary treatment resources for professionals.

This manual guides counselors in the use of medications to help clients achieve abstinence from alcohol. It describes how the medications work and whom may benefit. It also presents the side effects of three FDA-approved medications: acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone.