In this episode of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, host Alice Benjamin discusses the alarming increase in drug overdose deaths in the United States. With over 105,000 deaths reported in 2022 alone, the issue of counterfeit pill use is becoming a major concern. Alice highlights that these deaths are often a result of drugs being abused and sold illegally on the black market, such as opioids and benzodiazepines. She stresses the importance of distinguishing these fake prescription pills from legitimate medications used for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. It is crucial to address this issue and take action to prevent further harm.Jump ahead to listen:[00:03:48] Counterfeit drugs and their dangers. [00:10:06] Fake medications and leftovers. [00:11:16] Medication abuse and misuse. [00:14:48] Prescription medication and addiction. [00:19:13] Substance use and managing pain. [00:21:44] Higher drug overdose death rate. [00:26:45] How to protect from counterfeit pills. [00:33:23] Prescribing intranasal Narcan. [00:36:14] Helping people manage pain.