Prescription drug abuse has risen dramatically in the last 12 years. The latest news from SAMHSA says that prescription painkiller abuse jumped 400% between 1998 and 2008. That’s not just a gradual increase that should be expected over time. This rise means this type of drug abuse is a huge problem in our country, and all of us are likely to know at least one person that is addicted to pain pills. This also means that people are suffering more ill effects because of the abuse. Fatalities from drug abuse are now more common than deaths from gunshot wounds, according to Gil Kerlikowske, the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Prescription drug abuse spans every race, age, ethnicity, education, and employment level. Prescription painkiller abuse is a big problem, to put it mildly.

Reasons for the Widespread Abuse

There is a combination of reasons for the spike in painkiller abuse. At first when these meds came out, patients were not always given as much pain relief as they needed – they were under prescribed. There was a conscious effort by doctors to increase the level of medication, in order to provide their patients with the best care. But now so many people are on prescription painkillers that the pills are everywhere, making them easily accessible to addicts. Another reason for the increase is that since the pills are legitimately taken by many people, their danger is not always apparent. And finally, there are many people and companies that have realized the profit in selling prescription drugs, and have set up pill mills and facilities that prescribe and dispense these pills for nonmedical use.

Legalize It?

So what should be done about prescription painkiller abuse? Should something be done? Some groups are in favor of more lenient laws, or legalizing drug use altogether, in order to do away with the underground market for the pills. After all, prohibition didn’t keep people from drinking alcohol, why would prescription drug use be any different? And there is also the argument that if drugs were legal, people could feel more comfortable getting help for their addiction, rather than worry about legal consequences.

Negative Effects

But the effects of prescription drug abuse are too dangerous to let the abuse continue on. Prescription pills are very addicting, and many people find themselves dependent on the drugs in a matter of days. Many other people die from overdoses or side effects caused by the drugs. While some people are able to hold a job and are functioning addicts, enough other people’s lives are devastated by the drugs.

In order to control the abuse of prescription medications, there should be more collaboration between law enforcement, doctors, pharmacists, and treatment professionals. Instead of automatically charging and punishing people that abuse prescription pills, these people should receive quality treatment to help them get over their addiction. There should also be more education for the general public, to continuously remind people about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs.

Sources

Drug Control Policy Director Talks Prevention

Why Rx Abuse is Up 400%

Study: Prescription Pain Pill Abuse Up 400%

Wouldn’t it be nice to be substance free? Not just heroin free, or oxycontin free, but also methadone free, alcohol free, even free from everyday crutches we may have gotten used to. Holistic treatment centers on overcoming substance abuse by looking at the whole person, by trying to get the big picture into focus, by promoting a natural, healthy lifestyle.

Whole Treatment

Many treatment facilities now offer a holistic approach to helping people get sober. This works because when someone has a drug or alcohol addiction, it is more than the substances that are the problem. Mental illness, events of the past, and family circumstances can all be factors that drive someone to abuse drugs or alcohol. In order to fully treat a person, it is necessary to create order in the rest of their life also.

Many people detox from drugs or alcohol, only to fall apart and turn back to it after treatment. This is because the pressures, the insecurities, or the things causing unhappiness are still present and cause the person to feel the need to rely on substances. But with whole healing, a person is able to stand on their own and be at peace without substances.

Types of Holistic Rehab

There are many different types of holistic rehab. There are the ones we might expect, including acupuncture, organic food, and medication. These things help us focus on complete health without using modern medicine. Some facilities offer culinary experiences with locally grown organic food, tailored to meet all of the body’s basic nutritional needs. Others have massage therapists, or acupuncturists that can cleanse the body of discomfort. Many programs have a spiritual core that helps a person rely on a higher power to live a clean, healthy life.

Other holistic approaches are maybe not what would come to mind when we think holistic, but they also help redirect the body and mind toward complete health. Experiences in nature, such as staying in the midst of beautiful mountains, powerful oak trees, or a sunny seaside help patients connect with the simple things in life. Adventure therapy gives patients a mission, to help them center on something other than their substance abuse. Equine therapy also provides a positive tool  to aid in recovery.

By providing a nurturing atmosphere filled with positive experiences, along with nutritious meals, support groups, and therapy, holistic patients can become completely sober. No more drugs or alcohol, no more medicines to take the place of the illegal drugs, no crutch. The journey is not easy, but with the right kind of holistic treatment, patients seeking a natural lifestyle can learn ways to bring themselves to a completely healthy mind and body.

Sources

Holistic practices can offer medical options

The Canyon

Michael’s House

As parents, we never want to see our children suffer, and it doesn’t change as they get older. Adult children that suffer with addiction do so because of choices they make in their lives, and it can negatively impact their whole family. A grown drug addict child can demand just as much attention and resources as a young child. Some parents feel trapped into caring for an adult child with an addiction. It’s sometimes hard to know what to do, what not to do, and how to really help.

One fifth of 18-25 year olds use illicit drugs. Many in this age group have been struggling with drugs since their teen years, which means they never really got on their feet and out on their own. This leaves the parent in a very difficult position. At age 18, 20, or 22, do you insist that your child move out and start providing for themselves?  It’s a difficult question for millions of parents, but the situation becomes much harder when an addiction is involved. How can a parent kick their adult child out of the house when they have no job, no money, and they are physically addicted to drugs?

Consequences of Leaving the Security of a Parent’s Home

Many of these young adult addicts that get sent out of the house do end up homeless, or bouncing from friend to friend, or shelter to shelter. They are in no position to provide for themselves, because their main priority is keeping up with the drugs. So they have little hope of living a real life on their own.

Consequences of Letting an Adult Child Stay

So what should parents do, let their grown children stay around and continue to do drugs? This isn’t the answer either. Parents need to set rules; things like not allowing any drugs or alcohol in the house, insisting the child get at least a part time job, and requiring them to help around the house. Parents should not bend the rules, or let their child take advantage of them, no matter how hard it is. If things get too heated and the parent no longer has control, they should be prepared to warn of consequences, and then carry them out. Show them love and concern and be willing to help them get on their feet, but when that stops working, tough love needs to take over. The last resort would be to send them packing, because without your positive influence and support, things will get miserable for them really quickly. But it is sometimes necessary.

Parents most importantly need to get help for their child. Check out possible programs or facilities and encourage your child to check themselves into treatment. Call a hotline if necessary, or call the police if you need to, but do what you can to get them the help they need.

Sources

Babysitter Smokes Pot, 3 Year Old Smokes Pot… & One-Fifth of 18-25 Year Olds Use Illicit Drugs

Living With Adult Children

Methamphetamine deaths spur relatives to fight back through support 

Generation Rx is what the newest generation of young people in our country has been dubbed. This unfortunate name is sadly fitting, given the amount of prescription drugs these kids are surrounded by and abuse.

Prescription pills are really everywhere. There is a pill for nearly every ailment, and rare is the person that lives their life without taking anything. Maybe it is our age of modern conveniences, short attention spans, and quick-fixes, but it sure seems like we are quick to jump to medical intervention for the littlest thing. There are plenty of people that truly need their medications; to manage pain, discomfort, or just life, but many, many more have turned to self-medicating, pill popping, and abusing prescription medication. No wonder prescription abuse is such an epidemic for our young people – they were brought up in this environment.

Generation Rx – sad and disturbing as it may be – there is no denying the statistics. Nationwide, 26% of 12^th graders have taken prescription drugs at least once without a doctor’s prescription. The trouble is that young people have been so exposed to these drugs throughout their life, that they don’t see a danger in taking these pills. Students, especially college students, may actually think they are doing themselves a favor by using prescription drugs. In order to stay up late to study or concentrate for an exam, they take Adderall. Ambien helps them sleep when they need to. They’re used to solving problems on their own, including self-medicating if necessary.

Dangers of Prescription Abuse

Even though some people don’t see the drawback to being called Generation Rx, the dangers of abusing prescription drugs are real. Whether people want to admit it or not, kids that abuse prescription drugs are more likely to someday abuse illicit drugs. And these prescription drugs are dangerous and have serious side effects. Emergency room visits for abuse of prescription drugs is now as common as visits due to illicit drug abuse. These pills can cause increased heart rate, cardiac arrest, seizures, depression, and many other side effects.

Putting an End to Prescription Drug Abuse

Yes, there is work to be done; education young people and parents and creating an overall awareness about the dangers of self-medicating. Ohio State University’s College of Pharmacy has created the Generation Rx Initiative, which provides safety resources and information for teachers and students. The project makes available toolkits, symposiums, and community events that work to educate people about prescription drug abuse. Programs like the one at OSU can be very beneficial in putting a stop to drug abuse, and can help students and young people learn how to live a substance-free life.

Sources

The Generation Rx Initiative

Prescription Drug Abuse

Illicit Drugs on Campus Are Increasingly the Rx Variety

Young people’s use of drugs such as Ecstasy is increasing, despite warnings about such substances. Ecstasy is commonly seen in bars, at concerts, and at raves, and its popularity today suggests the message of its danger is not getting across.

Ecstasy is a hallucinogen and a stimulant that is often smuggled into the U.S from foreign countries. It is the drug of choice for partiers because of its effects. The stimulant in Ecstasy keeps the user’s energy high, and can sustain partygoers for hours. The hallucinogen “makes everything more fun”.

Drug use and raves go hand in hand. Young adults that attend these music and dance events that go on for hours and hours usually do so with the intent of doing drugs. Very few people go to raves simply to hear music – the dancing and partying while under the influence of drugs is the main priority.

Damaging Side Effects of Ecstasy

Many people would classify Ecstasy as a safe drug, and since so many people use it at raves, many people don’t think twice about using it. But Ecstasy has its consequences and side effects, and a number of people have been hurt or have died as a result of it. Ecstasy causes a rise in body temperature and extreme thirst, which causes the user to drink large amounts. The over intake of water can actually interfere with neurons in the brain, causing coma or seizure. On its own, Ecstasy can do damage, but other drugs are also commonly mixed into the Ecstasy, causing even more effects. Methamphetamine, ketamine, and other chemicals are sometimes found in Ecstasy, causing increased heart rate and body temperature as well.

Danger of Raves

Teens at raves get so caught up with the party and heightening their experience that they may not realize they or someone else is in danger. By the time it is evident that someone is in real trouble because of the drugs they took, it may be too late.

Many people are concerned about the safety of raves. There is often little adult presence, and the young people are almost all under the influence of drugs. Los Angeles has had several incidences at recent raves, including the death of a 15 year old girl last weekend. Because of this incident, the commission that oversees the L.A. Coliseum and Sports Arena announced a temporary ban on new contracts with rave producers. A meeting next week will determine the future of raves at this venue.

Preventing Ecstasy Abuse

Kids will be kids, and teenagers that attend these events want to have a good time. But putting people’s lives in danger is not worth it for a few hours of fun. The deadly side effects that these drugs cause should to be explained to young people, and teens should find alternatives to drugs and raves. Parents need to help educate their kids, and make sure they are supervised and safe, and find a better way to have a good time.

Sources

Ecstasy Facts

Drug Abuse Facts

Death at Electric Daisy Carnival draws attention to connection between raves and Ecstasy

A Closer Look: How Ecstasy harms

http://www.latimes.com/news/health/la-he-closer-ecstacy-20100712,0,7955199.story

The debate over whether we should offer treatment or punishment to drug-motivated criminals is still causing a stir. There are many people that support treating addicts that have committed crimes, but just as many people feel we should not give these people any special care.

Drug Related Crime

There are an estimated 2.3 million inmates in the U.S., and more than half of them are there because of drug-related crimes. This shouldn’t come as a surprise – drugs make people do dumb things. Crimes are committed because an addict is desperate to get their hands on more drugs, or are not thinking clearly because they are high. Many burglaries, accidents, and fights or murders are a direct result of the control drugs have on people. Drug addicts that receive no treatment for their substance abuse while in prison or afterward are likely to relapse. A convicted felon may detox in prison, but even after years of being clean from the substance, when they reenter society, many go right back to the drugs and most likely back to their life of crime. In fact, 50% of inmates will turn back to crime and drugs once they get out of prison. The vicious cycle of putting felons in prison, letting them out after their sentence is up, and catching them for the same kinds of crimes has many people thinking there must be a better way.

Pros and Cons of Treatment

Treatment while in prison and afterward is a solution that definitely helps. Detox alone doesn’t heal lives destroyed by drug abuse, but counseling and therapy do help. These addicts need to learn how to stay drug free, and how to live a healthy life. Addicts have a disease that has changed their brain chemistry, and will only get better with treatment.

But providing treatment for criminals in prison or instead of prison is not the solution everyone would like to see. Some people can’t get past the fact that these people committed crimes and deserve to be punished. Others feel that providing treatment instead of punishment is being soft on drugs, leading others to try to get away with more. Still others can’t support spending all the money up front that is necessary to treat inmates.

Stopping the Cycle

We have to keep going back to the effects of substance abuse on the human body. People that are addicted to drugs lose control of their lives. Only the drugs matter – stealing money for drugs, lashing out at or abusing others that stand in their way, or hurting innocent people are all consequences of a mind that is influenced by drugs. We don’t have to go easy on drug addict criminals, but we do need to keep them from hurting any more people. The most effective way to stop the drug/prison cycle is to treat with rehab. Recidivism rates go down 30% among those that receive treatment.

Money is a big concern in the prison systems right now, and only 1/5 of drug addicted inmates get help for their drug problem. Many states, struggling with budget cuts and money constraints, have been quick to cut funding for treating inmates. In the long run, however, treatment is the way to go. It is cheaper to treat than incarcerate, and the money saved from not having to arrest and imprison these people over and over again will save a substantial amount of money.

Sources

US Prison System Falls Short In Treating Drug Addiction, Study Finds

Treating Drug Addiction: What Families and Offenders Need to Know

The Case for Treating Drug Addicts in Prison

One of the fears many people have when going into rehab is fear of relapse. In fact, the risk of relapse is sometimes enough to keep a person from getting help in the first place, or to keep family members from trying to get their loved one into treatment. No one wants to fail, and especially if someone has relapsed in the past, they might have already given up hope of succeeding. But even though relapse rates are often high for drug and alcohol abuse, there are things patients can do to improve their odds.

Sufficient Treatment

Some people are in too much of a hurry from the beginning to complete rehab. They want to spend as little time as possible in rehab and are anxious to get back to their lives. But being hasty will often have negative effects in the long run when it comes to treatment. A person needs to go through the entire process of rehab before getting back out and into the world; without the needed length of time, a person doesn’t develop the skills, tools, and attitude needed to stay sober for long.

Make Life Changes

There is a reason why a person gets involved with drugs or alcohol in the first place. If these triggers, stresses, or negative influences aren’t corrected, it will be very difficult for a person to avoid going back to the substance abuse. It usually takes a change in friends, reduction of stress, and development of coping skills to keep a newly sober individual clean.

Long-term Care

Not only do patients need to stay in therapy for a long enough period of time, but after-care is often helpful and even necessary. This kind of treatment consists of once a week or occasional outpatient therapy or counseling. The purpose of this kind of care is to keep the patient focused on recovery. Patients enrolled in long-term recovery benefit greatly from keeping in touch with counselors and the resources they provide.

Support Groups

In the same way long-term care is beneficial, support groups help prevent relapse. There are support groups that specialize in nearly every kind of substance abuse and social situation. There are support groups for recovering heroin addicts, for teens, for Christians, and even for nurses. As much as we hate to admit it, we can’t recover on our own. Support groups are very important to preventing relapse. Support groups provide encouragement, companionship, and a sense of belonging. It is important to know that others are experiencing the same thoughts and feelings. To know that someone else is making it through the struggle gives power to others. Support groups allow people to talk about their feelings and doubts, and together work to overcome them. 

Relapse is a scary thing, but sobriety is so important that it is worth the effort. By getting the right care and sticking to a treatment plan, patients stand the best chance at avoiding relapse.

Sources

Support Groups Directory

Relapse Prevention

Getting clean … one day at a time

People are always pointing fingers over the prescription drug epidemic in our country. One of the groups that many people have been blaming for a while now is the pharmaceutical companies. Concerned with their profits, these companies are being investigated more and more.

Big Pharmaceutical Companies

Big drug companies make their profit from selling prescription pills. Sales of prescription medications have skyrocketed in recent years, along with their abuse and addiction. There is constant competition between pharmaceutical companies to have the best, most widely-used drugs. The companies stand to lose a great deal if their sales of these medications fall, which is why they have resorted to advertising their products. It is simple product marketing, something nearly every business has to deal with, but it just doesn’t seem right when it involves our health.

For example, should a big drug company be telling me about the best medication for my problem, or is that my doctor’s job? These companies aren’t concerned with my welfare at all; they want to sell their drugs, and they hope I go to my doctor and ask about the medication. But my doctor should already know about it, and should be educated enough to know what is best for me.

The Problem with Marketing

The problem is that with all the competition out there to sell their products, the pharmaceutical companies go to great lengths to market their medications. Tv commercials, printed ads, internet adds, and even representatives marketing directly to the doctors are commonplace. So now even the care of our health is determined by who does the best job at being convincing. The problem is big enough when considering everyday ailments like allergies or dry eye. But when we are talking about very addicting, potentially fatal pain medications, we really need to be more careful.

King Pharmaceuticals came out with a new extended release painkiller last year. Embeda, which is morphine sulphate and naltrexone hydrochloride, was launched in September 2009 as a painkiller that hinders abuse. The pills give no high if crushed and swallowed, and it was widely marketed as such. But the FDA recently sent King a warning letter for neglecting to say in a video news release that Embeda can be fatal if crushed and swallowed. Marketing, which can so easily make things seem better than they are, has no place in the prescription drug dilemma.

Patients that truly need pain meds need to hear about medication options from their doctor, not on the tv. Doctors should be more objective about the pros and cons of medications for each individual. Advertisements often target people that would self-medicate or are drug seekers, rather than those that follow their doctor’s orders.

There are many to blame when it comes to prescription painkiller addiction, and ultimately the addict himself makes the choice to abuse the drugs. But the atmosphere of pushing these drugs on people by companies trying to make a profit isn’t helping the situation.

Sources

King, J&J Won’t Need to Register Painkiller Users

FDA Approves Embeda

FDA: King Forgot to Say Embeda Can Kill You

With all the heartbreaking stories we’ve heard about lives destroyed by drugs or alcohol abuse, it’s easy to get discouraged. The problem seems too big and difficult to conquer, and it may look like we as individuals couldn’t possibly make a difference. But there are things we can do, and we’ve listed some resources to help you get started.

Volunteer at a Shelter

Many drug addicts and alcoholics find themselves with nowhere to go but to the local shelter. By volunteering your time there, you may be able to give a little encouragement to both the addict and the staff, and may even help some of them connect with treatment centers that are able to help.

Promote the Best Facilities

In the same way, you can help promote successful treatment facilities near you. Maybe they need someone to hand out flyers at homeless shelters or organize a fundraising event. If you’ve got a great facility in mind that is doing positive things, contact them and see if you can donate some time or resources. Maybe a local nonprofit group that is helping with substance abuse prevention could use your help, or there might be some volunteer possibilities with the local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Help Promote Drug Screenings

Drug screening clinics help create awareness for addiction and helping people get treatment if they do have a drug or alcohol problem. There are more and more of these programs starting across the country at colleges, medical offices, and other locations. Along with these screenings should come treatment options for those that need it. The Office of National Drug Control Policy has resources on their website, as does SAMHSA.

Organize Anti-drug Activities at a Local High School

Schools are in need of effective drug education and prevention techniques. A positive activity may be setting up a pledge signing day where students learn about the dangers of drugs and then commit to staying sober. Or maybe a school that has lost someone to drugs may want to hold an annual day of remembrance in honor of that person, focusing on the dangers of substance abuse. Foundation for a Drug Free World has resources for schools, and theantidrug.com also has information.

Contact Your Local Government

Contact local officials and ask them to pass stricter laws for things like drunk driving. Many states are working on reevaluating these laws, and they need to hear your voice on the matter. For a list of current laws and the latest news, see duidrivinglaws.org.

Help Promote Red Ribbon Week

This week-long celebration is held every year in memory of a murdered DEA agent and has become a unified pledge to end drug abuse in America. This year Red Ribbon Week will take place October 23-31. Anyone can organize an event in their area.

Encourage a Loved One

Offer to get help for a loved one struggling with addiction. Sometimes we don’t have to look any further than our own family to see how we can help.

Sources

AA

The Anti Drug

The Office of National Drug Control Policy

SAMHSA

Drug Free World

Red Ribbon Week

“The abuse of prescription drugs is our nation’s fastest-growing drug problem,” Gil Kerlikowske, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, said recently. Sometimes it feels like we are constantly talking about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, but according to the latest statistics, people either aren’t getting the message, or they don’t care.

Prescription Drug Abuse on the Rise

Prescription painkillers are both dangerous and addicting. Just because they come from a doctor or pharmacist, doesn’t mean they aren’t harmful. In 2008, an estimated 1 million emergency room visits occurred because of people that abused prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicines. That’s about the same number of visits that took place by those that overdosed on all illegal drugs, such as heroin and cocaine. The emergency room numbers represent a 111% increase in prescription painkiller abuse over a five year period.

The study, which used data from SAMHSA’s Drug Abuse Warning Network, may come as a surprise to many. We still don’t generally consider prescription drugs as being as big of a problem as illegal drugs. This should be a wake up call to our country that this is a huge problem that needs to be addressed now.

Drugs that are Easy to Abuse

There are a few possible reasons for the spike in prescription drug abuse. One is that more and more doctors are prescribing these medications, in an effort to help those with chronic pain. With more pills out there, there is the potential for more abuse. A second reason for the spike is the increase in marketing campaigns by pharmaceutical companies for their products.

Prescription drugs can be just as harmful and addicting when abused as illegal drugs are. But many people feel a false sense of security about using these drugs to get high because they are prescribed by a doctor and approved by the FDA. So some people think that experimenting with them or selling them to others to use won’t cause any harm. Other people, taking the medications for legitimate pain, can become addicted to them over time, or because they begin taking too much.

Help for Prescription Drug Abuse

This could be a difficult problem to solve. When there are so many people that depend on these medications to make their pain bearable, it is going to be nearly impossible to keep the drugs out of the wrong hands. And there is a huge problem with doctors and pharmacists that will provide these drugs to patients without caring if they are abusing them or not.

Once again, education is important in dealing with this problem. We need to let more people know about the dangers of these drugs. We need to encourage those who have a problem or who know someone who does, to seek help. 

Sources

Painkillers

Abuse of meds sends as many to ER as illegal drugs

Pain drugs abuse requires urgent action: CDC