Drug Abuse Amongst The Homeless Leading Cause Of Death

There is a new and unique situation plaguing local governments in municipalities which is an ever-increasing amount of homeless people in America. Along with this upsurge of homeless Americans is the ever-increasing amount of drugs abuse of these folks who do not have places to call their own.

More and more Americans who are living without a home are developing drug and alcohol abuse problems. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) and its most recent report on homelessness, more than 42.9% individual homeless adults have disabilities, which include drug and alcohol problems.  This statistic can be compared to 14% percent of adults who have disabilities and are living without a home but are living with their families.

Furthermore, drug and alcohol use and homelessness are related according to whether or not a person is homeless for a short term or long term.  Specifically, of the 5% of the nearly 2 million homeless people reported by the USHUD in 2009 categorized as chronically homeless, nearly all people living without a home for more than a month have family problems and some kind of disability, including drug or alcohol addiction or mental illness.  Based on the 2009 HUD Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, about one-third of sheltered homeless persons reported chronic substance abuse problem, which means they are addicted to drugs or alcohol.

With such varying rates and numbers (chronic vs. short term homelessness, homeless individuals vs. homeless families, and the lack of precise data on “disability”), it is difficult to come up with a definition conclusion on the relationship between addiction and homelessness.  But it seems logical to conclude that drugs and alcohol can play an important role in either getting a person on the streets, or keeping that person on the streets. And this seems to be in line with real experiences on the streets.  Obtaining prescription drugs or cheap alcohol is easy for homeless who panhandle the public for money for “food” and usually use it to purchase drugs.

What Comes First

It’s safe to say that addiction comes first. If a person is a homeless addict, most likely they became homeless because of their addiction. It is an all-too-common story that persons who were once successful started to abuse drugs or alcohol and started the vicious downward spiral until he finds himself or herself on the streets without a home. They have already “burned bridges” with family and friends whom they’ve worn out their welcome with and have nowhere to turn and find themselves on the street. But where there’s a will there’s a way and these people find how to obtain drugs on the street and are kept there because of their dependence.

It is important to address addiction within the homeless population at large. While people who abuse drugs and alcohol make up a relatively small share of the homeless population, they consume more emergency and transitional shelters and occupy hospitals and jails at high rates.

In the interest of social welfare, we need to address the root causes of homelessness, and disability caused by addiction is one that is treatable.  Local governments are seeking to solve the problem by getting people off the street and into subsidized housing.  But there is some resistance to this idea, as citizens don’t feel that it solves some of the deeper problems of mental disorders and/or substance abuse.

For more information contact Narconon drug rehabilitation now.

Source:  http://www.examiner.com/article/drug-abuse-becomes-the-leading-cause-of-death-among-the-homeless

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Drug Abuse Warning Network Warns About Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are one of the fastest selling drinks out there for the last 20 years. However, recently these drinks have become a major health issue across the country.   Per a recent report the Emergency Room visits related to energy drink use has doubled from the year 2007 to the year 2011 going from from 10,068 in to 20,783.

The same report states that all of the patients that were treated in the emergency room for energy drink related issue; 42% of them were treated for energy drink consumption that was also combined with other drugs.  That means that the other 58% emergency patients were being treated for consuming energy drinks alone.

Why are these drinks so damaging and what age group are they harming the most?

The Marketing

Unfortunately most energy drinks are marketed to a certain genre of young people. The ads paint a picture that the drinks are healthy and beneficial.  They increase energy, stamina, mental & physical performance as well as weight loss.  They also promote that they have vitamins in them.

But, unfortunately that isn’t always the case. Monster beverages was sued by a family of a 14 year old girl.  The 14 year old died after developing a heart arrhythmia.  This was linked to her drinking several cans of Monster Energy which is extremely high in caffeine and sugar.

And while most of us know that consuming an excessive amount of caffeine can cause very serious medical conditions and even sometimes death (as proven over the years).  And that consuming excessive amount of caffeine also causes negative behavior in youths. Many youths don’t.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has discouraged people from using energy drink, this is especially for children.  It was also suggested by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Institute of Medicine that all beverages that are made available in the schools be caffeine free. They are encouraging the Health Professionals in the schools to discourage the kids from consuming energy drinks or caffeinated drinks.

But many don’t tell kids why energy drinks are bad for them.

The Dangers Of Energy Drinks

Energy drinks that an adult could consume in moderation can be fine.  But any person, young or old is drinking them regularly and excessively they become extremely dangerous.  Here’s why:

-Most energy drinks contain more then double the amount of caffeine then a cup of coffee.
-Sugar is the second ingredient in most energy drinks.
-There are other unnatural ingredients that are not good for the body as well.

When you drink energy drinks regularly, you are putting very high levels of caffeine and sugar in your body then.  Way more then your body can handle.  Any amount of energy drink is too much for a kid.

Overall energy drinks help people stay up late.  Young people tend to want to stay up late and then they need to get up early for school and be able to stay awake in school.  The kids solution for this (as advertised as a good solution and totally fine to consume) is to down a few energy drinks.  They down a few at night to help them stay up late and then they down a few more in the morning to help them stay awake at school.  The problem with this is the high levels of caffeine and sugar that they are consuming into their body.

Caffeine poisoning is rare but if you consume an excessive amount of caffeine, you can get irregular heart rate and seizures are another symptom of it. You would also see an increase in your heart rate as well.

Narconon reviews indicate that there are natural ways to increase your energy which do not involve drugs or unhealthy energy drinks.  You just go back to the basics. That would be to make sure that you get plenty of sleep, eat healthy and exercise.  You take care of your body.

Make sure to educate kids on the dangers of these drinks. If you see there is a problem get them help.

Source:  http://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2013/drug-abuse-warning-network-warns-about-energy-drinks/

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What Are The Damages From Pain Medication Abuse

Prescription pain medication has been causing more and more problems and the prescription pain medication abuse problem in America has been skyrocketing.  Many of us know that using pain medication incorrectly can be very damaging, cause major medical disorders with the body and lead to addiction.  But, just what are the real damages from pain medication abuse?

Many people are under the impression that using pain medication is a way for them to get high and that it is much safer than using illegal street drugs.  “Because these medications are prescribed by doctors and approved by the FDA, they must be ok and not dangerous.”  Unfortunately with the number of annual deaths climbing, emergency room visits skyrocketing and admissions to treatment centers steadily increasing many learn ‘the hard way’ that this is not the case.

Side Effects And More

Because abusing substances such as pain medication can cause major medical disorders, one should get all of the information about it, the side effects, potential addiction or damages that can be caused by the medication.

Let’s take the first drug; called Opana which has recently become a popularly abused painkiller. In a recent report from Health Officials in Tennessee there have been cases of a rare blood-clotting disorder in people who injected the painkiller Opana ER (Extended Release). They would crush the pills and inject it into their system. There were 15 cases linked to IV drug use, 14 of them were directly related to Opana ER. Opana ER is meant to be taken orally only.

It is not known why Opana ER may lead to a blood-clotting disorder.  This disorder is called TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) which causes blood clots to form in small veins. If this disorder is not treated, it could result in death.

The makers of Opana ER changed the pills so that they are more difficult to crush or dissolve (thus cannot be made to inject into your body).  Unfortunately since the expiration of Opana, they have created generic equivalents.  The generic brands did not make their pills hard to crush or dissolve.  The pharmaceutical companies are fighting to block generic forms of Opana until they make them harder or unable to crush or dissolve.

Like Opana, many other prescriptions cause a number of problems. Some of the most basic include:

•    Kidney Damage
•    Liver Problems
•    Headaches
•    Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
•    Suicidal Thoughts & Tendencies
•    Addiction
•    Heart Problems
•    Certain Cancers
•    Seizures
•    Death

Prescription painkiller overdoses are at very high levels and has killed more Americans than heroin and cocaine combined, having tripled over the past 10 years, meaning that 40 people die every day from overdoses involving narcotic pain killers like hydrocodone (Vicodin), methadone, oxycodone (Oxycontin) and oxymorphone (Opana).

Why Do People Abuse Pain Medication

There are some basic reasons why someone uses these drugs. They include:

1.    Many are looking for a euphoric reaction.  They want to feel great. Or they want to numb unwanted pains of sensations.  The faster the drug hits the brain, the faster and better the high.  But once the high wears off the user has much bigger problems.

2.    Per a report from The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This medication is much cheaper and easier to get a hold of.

3.    Some start out using the drugs legally for an illness or injury and get hooked on them.

4.    Lack of education and knowledge about how addictive and dangerous these drugs are.

Fixing The Problem

The CDC have advised doctors who prescribe Opana, and pharmacists who fill prescriptions for it to tell patients about the risks of the drug when it is used other than as prescribed.

All of us have a role to play. Health care providers and patients should be educated on the risks of prescription painkillers. Parents can take time to properly dispose of any unneeded or expired medications from their home and help educate their kids about the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs.

And, if you know someone addicted to prescriptions get them help. Contact www.able.org/programs/narconon/ now.

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Prescription Misuse Remains Top Public Health Concern

After reviewing the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH is a scientifically conducted annual survey of approximately 67,500 people throughout the country, aged 12 and older) it is apparent that there is a new and sinister drug problem sweeping across the United States. The problem is prescription drug misuse, which is second only to marijuana as the nation’s most prevalent illicit drug problem.

With approximately 22 million persons nationwide abusing nonmedical pain relievers use since 2002 it is a major epidemic, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The report also shows variations in use by state, with combined 2010 and 2011 data indicating that rates of past year misuse among those aged 12 or older ranged from 3.6 percent in Iowa to 6.4 percent.

However, like with most things there are certain areas of the country who have struggled more with prescriptions than others. In fact seven of the ten states with the highest rates of nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers were in the west and included Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. Four of the 10 states with the lowest rates were in the Midwest and were Illinois, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota, and four were in the south and included Florida, Georgia, Maryland and North Carolina.

A comparison of the combined 2009 and 2010 data with combined 2010 and 2011 data revealed a decrease in prescription drug misuse among those aged 12 or older in 10 states (Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and West Virginia). None of the states saw an increase.

A Public Health & Safety Problem

Prescription drug abuse is a major problem throughout our nation these preceding data reaffirm how vital it is for the public health and public safety communities to work together to reduce the toll prescription drug abuse inflicts on our cities, towns and neighborhoods.

As government medical officials continue to focus on this challenge at the federal level, we hope citizens will also make an effort to learn more about the harms associated with prescription drug abuse with education to their children, friends and associates and also take time to empty their medicine cabinets of any excess, unneeded or expired prescription medications in order that they don’t fall into the hands of an abuser.  Make no mistake, people in your family, especially teens (per statistics) can get a hold of these prescription drugs from your medicine cabinet and either use them themselves or give them to their friends or sell them to others who can become very sick or even addicted from using them.

Please look in your cabinets right now and empty them. Do not flush them down the toilet as they will end up in our water supply system. Turn them into your pharmacy or learn how to dispose of them in a safe manner.

SAMHSA has a number of programs designed to address prescription drug misuse, including its Prevention of Prescription Abuse in the Workplace contract which provides technical assistance to help civilian and military workplaces in communities across America to reduce prescription drug abuse problems.

Addressing and abating prescription drug misuse remains a top public health priority.  The key is educating the public on the serious health risks involved and ensuring that we are providing the necessary treatment to those who need it.

It is always when programs are implemented that involve citizens to “do the right thing” that stunning results are obtained.  Create and implement these programs in your area and make a big difference in society. For more information visit Narconon Facebook now.

Source:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130108122445.htm

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Alcohol Abuse Ranked As Leading Risk Factor For Diseases

More than 51% of the American population engages in alcohol use. Even for the vast majority who are frequent drinkers, 48% of men and over 30% of women binge drink. There are 16 million alcoholics in the US on a daily basis and overuse of alcohol kills over 2.5 million people every year.

However not all of those dying from alcohol use are doing in in alcohol related crashes, from criminal problems and other accidents related to the addiction. In fact, according to a recent study alcohol abuse is ranked as a leading risk factor for diseases.

Alcohol Causes Health Problems

A new study from the World Health Organization reports that alcohol plays a huge part in disorders that are neuropsychiatric [metal disorders that stem from diseases started in the nervous system] as well as certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and one that is well-known; cirrhosis of the liver.

The doctor that conducted the study, named Marc Schuckit also suggests that alcohol is close to the number one public and worldwide health problem that we have currently. Information received indicates that it is the leading risk factor in disease for males who are between the ages of 15 and 60 years old. And the biggest issue is that fact that alcohol related health problems have been an issue for decades with no reports of change.

Alcohol reportedly causes the following health problems:

•    Colorectal Cancer
•    Pharynx Cancer (throat)
•    Larynx Cancer (voice box)
•    Breast Cancer
•    Liver Cancer
•    Esophageal Cancer
•    Increased risk of STDs from unprotected sex (like HIV/AIDS)
•    Cardiovascular Disease
•    Heart Attacks
•    Stroke
•    Cirrhosis
•    Dementia
•    Depression [increased risk of suicide]
•    Seizures
•    Gout
•    Nerve Damage
•    High Blood Pressure
•    Pancreatis
•    Weight Gain

The more a person drinks the more at risk they become for disease and problems related to alcohol use.

What To Do To Stay Healthy

If you have a history of alcohol mis-use or are currently addicted, there is a way to turn it around. Seek treatment from a successful alcohol rehab program like the Narconon program in Florida as well as our facility in Oklahoma. Make sure that the treatment is drug free to avoid any side effects or problems from further medication. Fully complete any needed rehabilitation to get on the road to stable and life-long recovery.

During treatment and after implement exercise, vitamin, a healthy diet and regular sleep into your daily schedule. Do not use drugs or alcohol. Make sure that you have solutions for handling stress in life and organizing your daily schedule.
With early detection of alcoholism and effective treatment, followed by a change in lifestyle the physical damage from alcohol can be reversed if the problem has not gotten too severe.

If you think you have a friend or a loved one with an alcohol problem study the signs and get them help. For more information on treatment through Narconon Arrowhead contact us today at 800-468-6933.

Source:  http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jan/01/tp-alcohol-abuse-ranked-a-leading-risk-factor-for/

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Vaportini Is Stirring Up Concerns For Doctors

There is a new invention on the market that doctors are hoping will not become the new trend in consuming alcohol. While there have been different ways of consuming alcohol for many years some consumers trying to get the effects of alcohol faster or avoid the tell tail sign of consuming alcohol when it’s odor is left on your breath, this may be the most dangerous to date.

It is called “Vaportini” and is a product that is sold over the internet and is a product that heats alcohol causing it to vaporize so that the consumer can inhale the alcohol. This causes a much faster way of getting the alcohol into ones blood stream and also allows the consumer to use a significantly smaller amount of alcohol to get the desired effect of alcohol. “Vaportini” recommends only consuming one ounce of alcohol using the device. This is a very small amount of alcohol.

But will consumers listen to the recommendation?

Why Are Doctors Concerned

Doctors are very concerned that this product may become popular leading many down a dangerous road to addiction. When alcohol is heating and inhaled as a vapor, it bypasses the digestive system and goes directly into the blood stream this causes the consumer to feel the effects much faster than they would if they were drinking the alcohol. When someone drinks alcohol only about fifteen percent of the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. Eighty five percent of the alcohol is absorbed through the veins to the liver. This increased amount alcohol that is absorbed very quickly into the bloodstream may cause many consumers to become addicted to alcohol.

Another major concern would be that teenagers get a hold of this product add to that the fact that they most likely would not follow the recommendation of only consuming one ounce of alcohol with the “Vaportini”. This could greatly increase the risk of alcohol poisoning.

Teens And The “Vaportini”

Teenagers often have lower body weight alcohol (especially consumed using the “Vaportini”) may have an intensified physical effect and also have harsher health effects. Some long term effects of alcohol include loss of appetite which could in turn hinder growth, serious vitamin deficiencies, heart and central nervous system damage, memory loss and an increased risk of overdosing.

Alcohol lowers inhibitions and gives teenager’s courage and confidence that they may not have otherwise, often getting teens into trouble that they may have avoided if they had been sober. When using a product like the “Vaportini” the fast absorption of the alcohol mixed with the confidence the alcohol is giving the consumer may be a deadly combination.

Social effects, if teens use alcohol on a regular basis in order to cope with stressful situations and to give them the social skills that they may be lacking they may never develop these important coping and emotional skills needed to succeed in life, you end up having a 30 year old that still acts like a teenager because that is when he or she started to abuse drugs and alcohol and that is where they are stuck developmentally.

Both parents and adults should be aware of the issues related to “Vaportini.” Kids should be educated on the dangers of this and enforcement should make sure that the products used for this are taken off the market.

For more information on this topic or Narconon centers US contact us today.

Source: http://www.wlfi.com/dpp/news/local/vaportini-stirring-up-concerns-for-doctors

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Seeking Higher Ground Examining The Dangers Of Designer Drugs

Designer drugs are on the rise. While designer drug popularity may have increased over the last few years, synthetic drugs are nothing new. In fact synthetic mind altering drugs have been around for quite sometime and the human obsession with mind altering substances. The use of these substances dates back 5,700 years ago with Native Americans using mescaline, extracted from peyote cacti.

Betel nuts (the seed of a palm tree fruit) has been used for thousands of years it is estimated by toxicants that chewing Betel nuts extract is actually more popular globally than nicotine, alcohol or caffeine.

While the use of more natural plant based substances may have been the choice in the past, the new man made designer drugs that are so prevalent in the United States today such as “Bath Salts”, “K2” and “Spice” bring along with them many dangerous side effects.

Today’s Designer Drugs

While there are many designer drugs available today, some of the most popular are;

•    “Bath Salts” which is pharmacologically similar to cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy common side effects include chest pain, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, agitation, hallucinations, extreme paranoia and delusions.

•    “K2” or “Spice” synthetic cannabinoids, chemically engineered to mimic marijuana. Side effect include; paranoia, panic attacks and psychotic episodes.

•    “Europa” and “Smiles” are two additional synthetic drugs that have been growing in popularity.

Poison control calls have risen dramatically regarding synthetic drugs and the numbers continue to rise. Many of these drugs also carry a high risk of overdose.

Why The Growing Popularity

Many designer drugs are easily obtained over the internet, at a local convenient store or head shop. The easy accessibility of these drugs may be one of the reasons they have grown in popularity in such a short amount of time. While regulators and the Drug Enforcement Administration work hard to control synthetic drugs the chemists that design these drugs are working just as hard to stay one step ahead of them. Changing the chemical make up of these drugs and dodging an illegal classification.

The fact that many of these drugs are technically legal makes them even more dangerous as many people look at them as not being as potentially dangerous or deadly because they are legal, which could not be farther from the truth.

Most standard drug testing can not currently detect synthetic drugs which may also be fueling their popularity. Those individuals needing to pass a urine drug test feel that they are safe using synthetic marijuana over natural since it will not show up on the drug test. However advanced technology is being used to predict new chemical formulations so that they can develop new urine test to be able to detect synthetic drugs, this will help physicians and regulators to be able to detect these new designer drugs.

Everyone must work together if we want to get these dangerous and often deadly synthetic drugs off of the streets, out of stores and off of the internet.

Parents must educate their kids to stay away from these substances. Drug education through school is also an important component. For more information on this topic contact Narconon or to enroll a loved one in effective treatment.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/seeking-higher-ground-dangers-designer-drugs-121500822.html

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Loss Hits America Are Rogue Pharmacies To Blame

The epidemic of pharmaceutical abuse and addiction has plagued American communities and homes for the past decade, now rising to unprecedented heights. The issue of excessive pill popping, to be alleviated, must be attacked from multiple angles.

“Pill mill” doctors have been pinned for unethical prescribing, but what of the rogue pharmacists known to fuel addiction? A recent report tells of the tragic loss of four young adults from California, after excessive prescriptions of pain pills led to fatal overdoses.

Rowland Heights Families Face Tragic Loss

The reality of the dangers of opiate pills has hit home for the families of four males, each patients of an overzealous Rowland Heights doctor. For months, they  maintained expensive pill habits by driving 30-40 miles to get to their equally shady rogue pharmacist in Huntington Beach. Sadly, all four of the addicts died after filling their Oxycontin prescriptions at Pacifica Pharmacy.

The pharmacist, Frank Tran, was found to be selling pain drugs (like Vicodin, Dilaudid and Oxycontin) in shockingly high volume—nearly double the amount of his nearby competition pharmacies, Walgreens and CVS.

The law requires pharmacists to be scrupulous and to refuse dispensation of pills where it appears an abusive situation has developed. Despite this, rogue pharmacists like Tran turn the other cheek and choose the lofty compensation.

California pharmacies handed out over 300 million prescriptions last year alone. Not shockingly, scripts for powerful opiate painkillers has shot up over 50% in the past five years. Also noted for increasing in size is the total dosage of the drugs being dispensed.

The California Board of Pharmacy is the official regulatory organization entrusted with overseeing, investigating and disciplining pharmacists for such illegal and careless practices. With proper evidence, the Board will not hesitate to revoke the licenses of rogue pharmacists found to be unlawfully distributing pharmaceuticals.

Prescriptions Of Concern

Although prescription pain pills have made quite a splash amongst adults and even high school teens, other risky and noteworthy pharmaceutical drugs include:

Stimulant “Study Drugs”
These Schedule II substances are classified by the DEA as highly addictive—they are in the family as cocaine. Adderall, Vyvanse and Ritalin are very commonly abused by high school and college students by crushing and snorting or injecting the drugs.

Anti-Anxiety Medications (Benzodiazapines)
Under this umbrella of pharmaceuticals are tranquilizer meds, like Xanax, Klonopin and Valium.

Using Education and Awareness to Fight Back

Prescription substance abuse now affects millions of Americans on a daily basis. Rogue pharmacists fuel this addiction issue in a large way. Take the time to educate yourself on the dangers of pharmaceutical drug misuse, and use this knowledge to spot illegal pharmacy practices.

Further, support your local community’s efforts to reduce this issue, such as:

-Prescription Drop Spots
-Educational Prevention Forums
-Alternative Pain Relief Seminars

Most importantly, if a friend or loved one close to you appears to be struggling with a dependency to his/her medications, don’t wait to see how the situation will pan out. Get help right away. Help them find a rehabilitation program or speak to a counselor about enrolling for help.

Make sure you are making an effort to ensure that kids are educated about the dangers of these drugs. For more information log onto www.narcononfreedomcenter.com or call 800-468-6933.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-prescription-pharmacies-20121220,0,3760978.story?page=1

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The Place Heroin Use Is Growing Most

Whether you’re in the heart of Los Angeles or even a quiet part of Illinois, experts say that heroin use is a growing problem in suburbs across the country. How is it that such an infamously dangerous and lethal drug has crept into our small towns and tight-knit communities, and what can we do about the issue?

Connection Between Prescription Painkillers And Heroin

Both heroin and prescription painkillers share a connection that drives this issue to the historic levels we witness today. As opiate drugs, pills like Vicodin and Oxycodone are assimilated by the body in a way similar to heroin itself.

The brain, upon receiving opiates, shuts down its own production of natural “painkillers” called endorphins. Over time, a gradual build-up of pain is released in the form of highly uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms which occur upon cessation of the original opiate—whether in the form of heroin or a pill.

The mass distribution of painkillers in America has led a great many thousands to the doorstep of heroin. The connection is not hard to understand when you consider that 80% of the world’s pain pills are consumed by America (a country which contributes less than 5% of the world population.) Highly addictive painkillers like Percocet and Oxycontin breed expensive addiction habits that are hard to maintain. For these individuals, what is the alternative?

The answer is heroin—the more potent and less expensive option for someone addicted to his/her pain medications. No doctor’s prescription is required to consume heroin, and a mere ounce is enough to last several days. Sadly, in this way, prescription pain pills have made a name for themselves as gateway drugs in the United States.

Heroin Abuse Amongst Youth

The medicine cabinet has become somewhat infamous for being a “modern day drug dealer” for today’s youth. The prospect of approaching a seedy dealer is preceded by the option of simply swiping a few pills. Sadly, some teens quickly develop a dependency that leads to potentially deadly heroin consumption.

Even our small, quiet communities have been hit hard with this issue. In fact, experts and analysts agree that heroin use is a growing problem in suburbs—not just the big cities.

Raising Awareness Is Key

It is important that you take the time to understand the risks of prescription opiates and the impact these drugs can have your long-term well-being. Especially because these pills have been tied to heroin use, education is your most powerful weapon.

Taking a painkiller as prescribed for a serious pain condition does not mean you are going to develop an addiction. Keep in mind, however, that most people who are addicted to these pills today did not intend to become dependent. This condition can creep in rapidly and takes a strong hold.

Additionally, take the time to understand warning signs and indications of heroin use. Living in a quiet suburb does not make you immune to the possibility of the presence of those suffering with heroin addiction and, as we have seen, trends in prescription painkiller addiction are only serving to further aggravate the situation.

For more information on how to keep someone drug free with prevention go to FriendsofNarconon.org now.

Source: http://www.lakecountyjournal.com/2012/12/13/heroin-use-growing-problem-in-suburbs/a4i40zz/

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According To Doctors Painkiller Epidemic Will Grow Worse

Today’s prescription drug abuse epidemic has grown to such proportions that it can very appropriately be called an epidemic. Despite the millions suffering with addiction to their powerful prescriptions, experts agree there is little to no evidence that American doctors as a whole have curbed over-prescribing or made any efforts to decrease our national excess of opioid prescriptions. In fact, doctors say abuse of painkillers is likely to grow worse in the coming months. What factors are at the core of this issue, and what can we all do to help?

Over Prescription of Painkillers Met With Overdoses and Deaths

For a country like the Unite States, where over 80% of the world’s opioids are consumed, we can’t expect to see any major changes in the issue of prescription addiction until major changes are made in the way they are distributed to the mass population.

Undoubtedly, the value of painkillers in the medical community is high. But has their been worth been grossly overestimated at the cost of public health and safety?

According to G. Caleb Alexander, professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, if things remain they way they are, we can expect nothing less than a tumultuous future.

“Under current regulatory and market conditions, it is likely that a significant and increasing amount of opioids produced to meet clinical demand will be misused…leading to more addiction and death,” says Alexander in a report he co-authored for the Journal of the American Medical Association.

At the hands of prescription drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin are thousands of untimely and unfortunate fatal overdoses. As the Journal article points out, in the year 2008, deaths from opioid pills alone far surpassed those from cocaine and heroin combined. Further, deaths from drug overdoses now exceeds the number of those killed in automobile accidents.

What Regulatory Measures Have Been Adopted?

Since it is apparent that many agree with this sentiment, and some doctors say abuse of painkillers is likely to grow worse, the question lingers: what regulatory measures have we adopted as a nation to prevent worsening of this issue? The answer is bleak.

Some drug companies have re-created tamper resistant versions of their drugs, and prescription drug monitoring programs have been implemented as well to protect patients and prosecute doctors who are guilty of “pill mill” practices. The broader scope medical practices, however, still leans on the pharmaceutical industry in a large way.

Debate Leads to FDA Petition

Article co-author G. Caleb Alexander further warns readers of the employment of prescription opioids as a sole treatment for chronic pain. He worries that prescribing such painkillers actually impedes patients and doctors from the opportunity to explore alternative treatment methods which could offer relief naturally, cutting out the potential for addiction in millions of pain victims.

A group of physicians, scientists and public health figures who each share an awareness for needed change have now petitioned the FDA to change regulatory  guidelines so that opioid drugs are only depended on in cases of severe pain.

The petition is widely opposed by the American Academy of Pain Medicine and others, but it is hoped that such a measure will decrease instances of unnecessary prescription to patients who don’t need such powerful drugs.

There are many ways to stop painkiller abuse. One is to limit the number prescribed; another is to stop leaving prescriptions in the medicine cabinet. With that, educating teens on the dangers of these drugs and rehabilitating those addicted are also key. In addition those distributing these drugs illegally should face drastic legal measures to stop trafficking of prescriptions.

For more information go to www.narconon.co.

Source: http://americannewsreport.com/doctors-say-abuse-of-painkillers-likely-to-grow-worse-8816965

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