In early 2003, the Herald-Leader first brought to light widespread problems with prescription drug abuse in Eastern Kentucky in its series "Prescription for Pain."

Among other things, the paper found that per-capita amount of some painkillers coming into some Eastern Kentucky counties was higher than anywhere in the nation, that many of the pills were being diverted to the black market; and that there wasn’t enough treatment available to meet the growing need.

Read stories from that investigation in these special PDF reprints.

1. Part I of the Herald-Leader's 2003 Prescription for Pain series
2. 2nd part of the 2003 Herald-Leader Prescription for Pain series
3. Details on E. Ky. drug use from the 2003 Prescription for Pain series