...Prescription Drug Abuse: The New Drug of Choice Tanya Butler COM/172 Elements of University Composition and Communication II March 29, 2012 Betty Taylor-Thompson Ph.D. Prescription Drug Abuse: The New Drug of Choice “In 2010, approximately 16 million Americans reported using a prescription drug for nonmedical reasons in the past year; seven million in the past month” (National Drug Intelligence Center, 2002, p. 1). “Nonmedical use of a prescribed medicine is use by someone who does not have a prescription for the medication, or use of the prescribed medicine by someone who does not have a prescription in a manner that is not directed or approved by the prescribing physician” (DuPont, 2006, p. 1). The misuse of prescription medication is an expanding health problem in the United States today. An individual taking her own medication exactly as prescribed is not misuse, but giving one pill to a friend or loved one is prescription abuse. In fact, it is against the law. Most people overlook the fine print at the top (or bottom) of the prescription label that clearly states: “Caution: Federal law prohibits transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed.” Then again, some people are very aware of the fine print but choose to ignore it. Many people believe that because the prescription is written by their doctor, it is safe. This is not the case! Prescription narcotics are just as dangerous as illicit drugs, such as cocaine, heroin...
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...Most of us respect prescription drugs, mainly used for the reason the doctor intended. Understanding problems, pitfalls and the magnitude prescription drug abuse and misuse has on today’s society. Medical society estimates the number as high as 40 million people (aged 12 and older); have used drugs for nonmedical reasons in their lifetime. Making nonmedical use of prescription drugs a defining drug dilemma of the new century. The management of chronic pain is an art and a science, according to the Center of Disease Control (CDC). Nevertheless, the opioid epidemic has received substantial publicity and policy makers are more aggressively trying to combat the problem. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the three classes of...
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...professionals. It stands to reason that prescription drug abuse within the elderly presents a much higher risk than prescription drug abuse among younger generations. Ignoring this problem leads to a diminished quality of life and a less attentive healthcare system. Sadly, prescription drug abuse is a silent epidemic among the elderly population and it is a growing problem. With proper attention and diagnosis, there can be a reduction in injuries, such as hip fractures from falling, excessive hospitalizations, and even untimely death. Prescription drug abuse is overlooked by our healthcare professionals every day. Elderly patients are prescribed more medications than younger...
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...that the problem of prescription drug addiction is at its worst today than ever before, causing countless cases of dependency and abuse at epidemic proportions, and gaining the reputation of being the "silent epidemic" in some major cities in America. Prescription drug addiction is also known as the "silent killer," and rightfully so, because it can take one innocent pill, or the wrong dosage, to place its user into a permanent sleep-an all-too familiar event known as fatally "overdosing." From suburban neighborhoods, to celebrity life, to the ghettos-prescription drug abuse seems to have no bounds in our society, affecting millions everyday. But how wide-spread is this kind of abuse, and how serious is it? In 2010 alone, it was reported that an estimated 7 million America citizens claimed to be abusing prescription medications. Granted, this is only a little less than 3% of the total US population, but the jolting fact comes from the amount of increasing deaths from prescription medication abuse. It's one thing for large populations to abuse drugs, true; but it's another thing to lose lives rapidly over such a short period of time. As stated earlier, the strength of prescription drugs can be so overwhelming that it may take one instance, or one miscalculating dose, to result in a deadly overdose. In other words,...
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...Prescription drug abuse deserves renewed attention After watched the movie Shutter Island, it must be very easy catch such scenes that the lead hero who is acted by Leonardo DiCaprio always asks aspirins from doctors, either when he is seasickness or has a headache. Familiar scenes always emerge in lots of movies and TV plays. People all know that artistic creation is based on realities, and in fact, those scenes are not from scenarists’ imaginations. In the real world, typical cases of prescription drug abuse always manifest in three ways. Taking a prescription drug that is prescribed for others, taking medicine for reasons like feeling depressed, or overdosing than as prescribed. Abuse of prescription drugs could produce serious problems for people, especially worse in addiction. Because prescription medicine abuse is becoming a significant problem in the United States, the phenomenon has to be taken seriously. According to the survey of National Institute on Drug Abuse, the medicines which abused are broadly described as those targeting the central nervous system, including those used to treat psychiatric disorders. In 2010, approximately 7 million persons were current users of psychotherapeutic medicines taken not in medically (2.7 percent of the U.S. population). The situation must lead to awful outcome. Even if no one want to see the terrible result that not only people’s physical health be drowned in danger, people’ mental health and relationship are under threaten...
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...Current Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis Pepper Iris Abstract Prescription drug abuse is a huge and growing problem in the United States. People who are subject are often the ones to develop these addictions. This can happen by being raised or living in a bad neighborhood where drug abuse is prevalent. People with mental illness are also much more likely to develop an addiction than people with normal brain tendencies. To prevent and decrease prescription drug abuse across the country, there are several things that can be done. Students can be better educated of the dangers of drug abuse, in detail, at an early age, then in a more serious way as they grow up and reach the older grades. Doctors can also be better educated in their colleges and medical schools through new programs that can be required to obtain a degree. Finally, the rehabilitation centers of America can use a total reform in both the program, and the priced. Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem in the United States. The rate at which abuse is growing is now higher than it has ever been. The issue is getting so bad, that some states, including Tennessee, have now labeled it as an epidemic. There are several factors that can contribute to prescription drug addiction, such as the environment the abuser is subjected to, as well as their psychological status. Doctors and pharmacists also contribute to the problem, although most of the time, unknowingly. There are several ways to decrease prescription drug...
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...| Reasons and Prevention Strategies for Epidemic of Prescription Drug Abuse among Teens | Prescription Drug Epidemic Among Teens | Walden University | | Reasons and Prevention Strategies for Prescription Drug Abuse among Teens Overview Increasing abuse of prescription drugs among teens can be attributed to psychological, environmental, or behavioral conditions.Drug abuse in teens can be linked to other disorders or conditions which lead to drug abuse. Teens who abuse drugs are likely to become adults who abuse drugs. It is necessary to understand and address these underlying issues if successful prevention is to happen. First it is necessary to understand the magnitude of the problem 2.3 million Teens were abusing prescription drugs in 2003. (Controlled Prescription Drug Abuse at Epidemic Level, 2006) This is a very large number of teens abusing potentially addictive and deadly drugs. These numbers indicate a major problem with the potential to rapidly grow out of control if not addressed appropriately. In fact recent studies have found there has been an increase in prescription drug abuse among teens at an alarming rate. From 2005 to 2008 there was a 12% increase in prescription drug abuse among teens. (Elliot, Souder, Privette, &Richardson, 2008) This is a very large increase in a very short period of time. An increase such as this calls for further explanations on why this increase occurred so rapidly. Prevention methods need to be developed to avert...
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...Prescription Drug Abuse Prescription drugs have become increasingly dangerous to young people in the United States. In fact, prescription drugs do not only appeal to adults anymore, but are quickly becoming the drug of choice among young people. According the CDC, after cannabis, prescription drugs are the most common drugs used by people 14 and older. Because of availability, effects, and lack of knowledge about what these drugs can do, prescription drugs are becoming a greater danger to you people than marijuana. Perhaps one reason why prescription drug use is becoming more popular among young people is because they are so easy to get. Many young people can get prescription drugs from his or her home. Some parents leave prescriptions in unlocked medicine cabinets, or leave leftover prescriptions lying around where kids can easily get them. Disposing of your old prescriptions responsibly can easily prevent this. There are many drug take-back programs available. Unfortunately, some kids may have parents who are addicts themselves, so his or her parents may end up sharing drugs with their kids. Of course, there are other ways for young people to obtain prescription drugs. Another way these prescription drugs can be obtained is if a doctor prescribes them. Many addicts engage in an act called “doctor shopping”. Doctor shopping is when a patient tries to get prescription drugs from multiple doctors without each doctor knowing. These people may sell or use the drugs,...
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... Rough Draft Turner Comp 2 Is Prescription Drug Abuse an Epidemic? Many people especially the younger generation, ages starting at twelve years old have turned to the abuse of prescription drugs. The most commonly misused prescription drugs are painkillers (opioids), antidepressants, and anxiety medication. People claim addiction is a choice, but according to science addiction is considered a brain disease due to the fact that it alters the brain permanently by changing the structure of the brain itself and how it works. Some say the huge sting made over prescription drug abuse is all over exaggerated and they blame the media. But how can you make the claim that the abuse of prescription drugs isn’t a huge epidemic? The 2010 Nation Survey of Drug use and Health states that 2.4 million Americans have used prescription drugs non medically within the last year with ages 18-25 being the highest of users. Evidence proves that prescription drug abuse is an epidemic in the United States today, and those who disagree rely on blaming the media for falsely portraying the intensity of prescription drug abuse. People often think everything is okay as long as it’s not right in front of their faces, and too many people have turned a blind eye to this dangerous addiction. It is time for people to realize the real issues prescription drug abuse is causing and how quickly it has become such a dangerous epidemic. How did this epidemic...
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...Prescription Drug Abuse Leader: Group Purpose: The purpose of this group is to discuss the issue of prescription drug abuse and how we as potential LCDCs plan on dealing with this problem. Process: Group meetings will take place on weekly basis on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. Gilbert Arias will be group leader. Group members are encouraged to participate and give feedback. Rules : Confidentiality is of utmost importance in the group experience. All members are required to maintain confidentiality with regards to all members. All confidentiality rules that apply in individual counseling will apply in group for_________. Consequences of breaching confidentiality can be detrimental to the group process and is therefore taken very seriously. Group members are expected to maintain regular attendance at this group for its duration. Acknowledgement of Commitment Please sign and date the following statements to confirm your acknowledgement: I agree to maintain confidentiality concerning what others say and do in group I agree to obey the rules the group adopts. Signature____________________ Date_______________ Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction • Prescription drugs are the second most commonly abused category of drugs, behind marijuana and ahead of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs. • The National Institutes of Health estimates that nearly 20 percent of people in the United States have used prescription...
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...Why the Pilgrims were God’s “Chosen People” William Bradford’s story “Of Plymouth Plantation,” talks about when the Pilgrims came to America on the Mayflower, and landed at Camp Cod. Bradford was one of these passengers and took notes and wrote down facts, people till this day can’t believe are true. He talks about struggles the Pilgrims faced and obstacles that they overcame. Through everything, God was showing them, or what they believed to be signs from God, that they were his “chosen people.” “When the faithful were brought low and then rescued from the brink of disaster, they felt utter reliance upon God” (Donegan). God was guiding the pilgrims and giving them hope, that everything will be okay. Nothing could have prepared them for the signs that God was giving them, to prove they were indeed his “chosen people.” Why were the Pilgrims the chosen people? No one knows, they only know the signs that were given by God, to support the fact that they were the “chosen people.” The Pilgrims were known as Separatists. The main reason for them leaving for North America was so they could have freedom of religion. They felt as if they would be able to chose their religion if they were somewhere else. “The separatist or Pilgrims was the more radical sect of Puritans which wanted to set up a new church separate from the Church of England, where they would practice the catholic religion as they thought it should be practiced” (“The Atlantic”). Some of the Pilgrims felt trapped in the...
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...Prescription drug abuse is severe today. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) says that more than 22,000 Americans who use Vicodin abuse it. When you're ready to get clean, you really should consider entering into prescription drug detox in luxury. You can't underestimate how important the proper detox environment is. Despite prescription drugs' legality, detoxification is just as dangerous as detoxifying from street drugs. Your likelihood of abusing prescription drugs again in the future also remains just as high. Understanding adults aren't alone in their prescription drug addiction is important. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) a rising number of teens are also abusing them today. They believe...
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...Prescription drug abuse is on the rise as a result of the numerous ways they can be taken, the different varieties of each type of drug, and their effortless accessibility. Doctors have reported writing more prescriptions out to patients recently than there has ever been before. “Ohio pharmacists filled 2.7 million prescriptions in 2008 for high-powered painkillers such as OxyContin and Percocet, narcotics that contain oxycodone; that's nearly one for every four people in the state” (The Columbus Dispatch 1). In addition to going to a local pharmacy to get prescription medication, people now can go to the Internet and find an online pharmacy which will send them medications. They are able to attain medication easier for the following reasons:...
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...INTRODUCTION: Prescription drug abuse is using a prescribed drug by a person to obtain just for the experience. Many people and teenagers or adults have turned to abusing prescription drugs. Some people have an increased risk of getting addicted to drugs, pressure from peers also have a significant impact. Abusing these drugs have harmful effects to people, people who abuses prescription drugs can also affect the people around them greatly. These people may have difficulties in their life including problems with family, friends or rivals. Abusers are most likely to go to many different doctors to get prescriptions from them so they can get a large supply of their drug. They are also more likely to get into trouble with the law because of buying the drug on the street or due to an increased tendency to steal so they can be able to buy more. People who abuse prescription drugs are more. BODY: Most people take medications responsibly, however the non-medical use or abuse of prescription drugs or medications remains as a serious health concern. If you take a medicine in a way different from what the doctor prescribed then it is called drug abuse and it could be in the form of taking a medicine that is not prescribed for you, taking in a dose more than you need to, taking prescribed drugs in different ways like crushing tablets and snorting or injecting them and using medicines just so that you can get high. Certain prescribed drugs can alter the brain’s activity and can lead...
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...The Drug Abuse Epidemic and Today’s Teenagers Drug abuse among teenagers has been an issue since the 1980’s when programs such as D.A.R.E., (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), were implemented. Using the slogan “Just Say No”, the program trained school officials and police officers to teach techniques and children and adolescents effective ways to resist experimenting with all drugs, including tobacco and alcohol. While there has been some success, this epidemic has become a major problem in today’s society that is not getting better due to the availability of prescription and over the counter medications, continued funding cuts for athletics and other extra-curricular activities and the increase in teenagers being left unsupervised. The availability of prescription and over the counter medications has made abuse easier among teens. Many parents do not even realize the dangers that are in their own medicine cabinets. “In 2011, 22% of 12th graders indicated misuse of a prescription drug without medical supervision in their lifetime; and 15% over the past year.” During that same time, one in 12 high school seniors reported that in the past year they had obtained the prescription pain reliever Vicodin, and one in 20 high school seniors used OxyContin for non-medical uses. And 70% of those teens surveyed had stated they obtained them from family and friends. (“Prescription” 2011). “Enough prescription painkillers were prescribed in 2010 to medicate every American adult around-the-clock...
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