WASHINGTON, DC—We are in the midst of our nation’s deadliest drug epidemic ever and it is hitting older Americans particularly hard, reports AARP. In this multi-story special report titled “The Opioid Menace,” AARP Bulletin reveals that almost one-third of all Medicare patients — nearly 12 million people — were prescribed opioid painkillers in 2015, drugs that can become addictive in as few as five days. That same year, 2.7 million Americans over age 50 abused painkillers and nearly 14,000 people age 45-plus died from an overdose.

The report explores how older generations have become the new dealers, selling their prescriptions to raise needed cash. And it details the extraordinary increase in grandparents having to raise their grandchildren due to the opioid addictions of their children.

The special report also includes searing profiles of older opioid addicts; explores the U.S. regions that are most affected by the opioid epidemic; ranks the 18 approved prescription opioids based on their potency; and gives clear advice on what you can do to help bring an end to our nation’s deadliest epidemic ever.

Other stories in the June issue:

12 Best Tricks of Super Savers
For some people, finding new ways to save money can be more entertaining than spending it. In this month’s issue, AARP seeks out ingenious saving tricks that actually work. Simple tactics like ‘The Lincoln Logger’ and ‘The Coupon Coup’ offer easy steps to saving thousands a year.

An Interview with Celebrated Comedy Writer, Actor and Director Carl Reiner
This month’s issue features an exclusive interview with 95-year-old comedy legend Carl Reiner discussing his secret to a long-lasting successful career. And how for his new documentary, “If You’re Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast,”  Reiner tracked down celebrated people in their 90s and beyond to show how the twilight years can be among life’s happiest and most rewarding.

Scam Alert: An Owner’s Manual for Finding an Honest Mechanic
Auto repair complaints consistently rank among the top consumer grievances, so it’s not a surprise that some people get taken for a ride by an untrustworthy mechanic. In the June Bulletin, AARP reveals the warning signs of unnecessary and overpriced service by mercenary mechanics, so you can finally put an end to car repair rip-offs.

Lessons from Dad That Last a Lifetime
Just in time for Father’s Day, Esquire writer-at-large Charles P. Pierce reminisces about his late father who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. In a touching piece, he shares the life lessons he learned from his father, even if he didn’t know he was learning them at the time.

Five Surprising Reasons You’re Up at 4 a.m.
For the 70 million Americans who suffer from insomnia, nighttime can be endless and exhausting. If you’re a chronic insomniac, you’ve read all the tips and advice on how to get a good night’s sleep, like turning off your electronics, keeping the bedroom dark and cool, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bed. In this month’s issue, AARP explores five alternative reasons why you might not be sleeping through the night and how you can fix them to get that much needed rest.

Learn more at http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/. Interviews with AARP experts are available upon request.

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About AARP Bulletin
AARP Bulletin is the definitive news source for AARP’s members. The Bulletin reaches more than 30 million readers through each of its ten print editions annually, with additional news and in-depth coverage online. AARP Bulletin delivers the story behind the key issues confronting Americans 50 and older, including health and health policy, Medicare, Social Security, consumer protection, work, personal finance, and AARP state and national news. The consumer-oriented news publication has become a must-read for congressional lawmakers and Washington opinion leaders, and it provides AARP members with pertinent information they need to know. Learn more at http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/.

About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.