This week, CNN's In Depth series is focusing on medication nation – and the state of prescription drugs in the United States.

Some unbelievable numbers to look at this morning. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 74% of doctor visits result in a prescription. Also, 48% of Americans regularly use at least one prescription drug and a whopping 75% of Americans – that's three out of four people - misuse their prescriptions or don't take them as directed.

What can be done about this over reliance on medication? This morning, Christine Romans talks with John Abramson, author of "Overdosed America" and a lecturer at Harvard Medical School. She asks him whether things have gotten out of control.