From Adderall to Xanax, It's All for Sale Online

A Massive Operation

It's a huge operation with no bricks and mortar involved. There are no buildings or person-to-person meetings because it's all done digitally. The dealers collect the information online, package the drugs, and send them out via overnight delivery.

"I mean, literally, people can do this and perpetuate these crimes throughout the world," said Stover.

Many of these Web sites are located in countries like Ukraine, Latvia and Mexico, where it's perfectly legal to buy and sell these drugs without prescriptions. So, even if law enforcement could find the dealers, they couldn't arrest them.

That's why the DEA has successfully tracked and busted only a few Internet prescription-drug trafficking rings.

In Texas a recent drug bust resulted in a number of indictments. Soon after, there was a noticeable drop in activity on related Web sites. But within weeks, the online ads were back. And to be sure, business is booming again.

"It's because of the anonymity, because of the ease of putting up these Web sites and taking them down, because of the global nature of the Internet, and how they can move money, and move information," Stover said.

"It's tremendously challenging."

Supply and Demand

Historically, attempts at decreasing the supply of drugs have rarely worked. Growers, manufacturers and dealers always find new ways to produce and distribute drugs, so experts realize it is important to work on decreasing the demand.

"The Internet blew the lid off prescription drugs," said Liga, of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. "It's a new phenomenon and there isn't any research to say what works and what doesn't." When it comes to prevention, Liga teaches students that prescription drug abuse is serious, and he hopes they will spread the word to their friends.