Perform an Internet search for any common prescription drug (e.g., Valium, Xanax, Prozac). You will find several sites from which you can order the drugs, often without a prescription. If you do a search for an illegal drug, you will also find several sites that provide information on how to obtain (or manufacture) the drug. What do you think the response of the government should be to the availability of drugs on the Internet?

Read a statement made by William K. Hubbard, Associate Commissioner for Policy and Planning before the Committee on Government Reform.

http://www.fda.gov/ola/2004/internetdrugs0318.html

Choose one of the drugs discussed in this chapter and find data regarding the differences among age groups, ethnic groups, and gender in their use of the drug. What changes in the use of this drug have occurred over the past few years?

The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) conducts nationwide surveys on drug use and health.

http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/nsduh.htm#NSDUHinfo