IN THIS SERIES

STUDY: PLAYERS MISUSE PAINKILLERS First scientific study of prescription painkiller use by retired NFL players shows higher rates of misuse than the general population. PAINKILLER USE IN TODAY'S NFL Pain and painkillers are commonplace for many NFL players, though league and medical staffs have tightened up access. CONCUSSIONS MAY IMPACT DRUG USE Lisa McHale never understood why her husband became addicted to painkillers. Could his brain have held the reason? ABOUT THE PAINKILLERS STUDY ESPN commissioned the first-of-its-kind study, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse joined as a partner. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES The number of overdose deaths from opium-like painkillers, with brand names like OxyContin and Vicodin, more than tripled from 1999 to 2006, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

VIDEOS

"Outside the Lines" reports on the painkillers study.

Dan Johnson's children helped him through a painkiller-induced depression

Dan Johnson attempts to go hunting

Dr. Alex Stalcup talks about the slippery slope of painkillers

"Outside the Lines" profiles Sam Rayburn's painkiller battle

PHOTOS Former NFL player Kyle Turley, now a musician, takes prescription painkillers and smokes marijuana to combat enduring pain that began during his playing days. Gallery RESOURCES

Get the facts about opiods from the National Institute on Drug Abuse Government statistics reflect a rise in prescription painkiller-related overdoses Results from the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health The Washington University study