Nonmedical use of prescription opioids (a.k.a.: pain-killers, narcotics) such as Vicodin, Percocet, and Oxycontin has become increasingly problematic in recent years with increases nation-wide in overdoses, hospital treatment admissions, and deaths. Use also appears to be contributing to heroin initiation, which has increased in recent years, as the demographics of users are shifting. Those previously at low risk — women, whites, and individuals of higher income — are now using at unprecedented rates.
NYU Study Finds 3/4 of High School Heroin Users Started with Prescription Opioids – ScienceNewsline
No shit, Sherlock? Connect the dots people!!!
Comments From The Peanut Gallery 
This is no surprise. As a recovering addict I know many people who have ended up back on heroin because of prescription opioid painkillers or over the counter codeine. In fact there is a serious problem with addiction to over the counter codeine in the UK – I know someone who almost died of it. http://bit.ly/1ER5cLY