Tom Shales

The media have exaggerated and encouraged the problem of prescription drug abuse, Tom Shales contends in the following viewpoint. He claims that television newscasts are more interested in presenting stories that both demonize and glamorize drugs such as OxyContin than in offering accurate information on these drugs’ medical benefits. In fact, OxyContin is extremely effective as a pain reliever for those suffering intense pain. Unfortunately, Shales maintains, sensationalized news reports may scare doctors away from prescribing OxyContin and other useful drugs. Tom Shales is a television critic and editor for the Washington Post.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. Why does Shales believe television coverage of prescription drug abuse encourages further abuse?
2. According to Robin Hogen, why is OxyContin abuse confined primarily to five states?
3. What is the “Pain...