Archive for the ‘prescription drugs’ Category

More Proof the FDA Works for Drug Companies and Not Consumers

Saturday, July 24th, 2010

An FDA advisory panel voted against the Administration’s plan to tighten restrictions for prescription painkillers, stating mostly that the plan was not stringent enough.  While the good news is that the panel wants the restrictions to be tighter, it clearly shows that the FDA does not have the best interest of the people at hand, but instead works for the drug companies.  Prescription drug addiction and overdose-related deaths attributed specifically to opioid narcotics such as OxyContin, methadone and others have continued to dramatically increase over the last decade or more.

Today there were more than 120,000 admissions to drug rehab programs in America in 2008 where opiates other than heroin were listed as the primary substance of abuse.  The number in 1998 was only 20,000, meaning there has been a 600% increase in those addiction treatment admissions just ten years, yet FDA personnel continue to protect the profits of drug companies instead of working to protect the people.

Prescription Drug Addiction Trends

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Prescription drug addiction has been increasing at an alarming rate in the U.S. over the last decade, with the major culprits being painkillers, followed by sedatives, tranquilizers and stimulants.  As a result, there are millions of people hooked on drugs like Xanax, Oxycontin and Adderall, flooding addiction treatment centers throughout the country.

One of the biggest problems for drug treatment facilities though has been the fact that many actually contribute to the problem by giving out more drugs to those who are already addicted, as if some new pill will provide a solution for them.

Time and again, we have witnessed that the most successful type of drug rehabs are those that offer long-term, drug-free rehabilitation approaches that do not push the disease theory on addicts.  Advocates for permanent recovery are leading the charge for the non-disease-based movement that doesn’t push more drugs to patients, citing observable results in non-traditional programs and proclaiming that a formal comparison be made between the styles to present to government officials so public funds are no longer being wasted on ineffective measures.

Psychiatric Drugs Prohibit Rehabilitation Instead of Help

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

In the last ten years psychiatric drugs such as antidepressants, anti-psychotics and anti-anxiety medications have become more of a thorn in the side of results-based treatment programs than a valid therapy.  The long list of side effects, in addition to the major outbreak in prescription drug addiction has presented enough evidence that many of these drugs should be banned – and certainly not used in addiction treatment centers.

The high potential for abuse and dependency, in addition to the way these drugs cause a “detachment” from oneself by “re-wiring” the brain takes personal responsibility away from the individual and makes it nearly impossible for them to fully recover from their addictions.  Unfortunately, most traditional programs still use these drugs as part of their practice and so finding a facility that is drug-free usually only leaves a faith-based program or some non-12 step drug rehabs

As more studies are done on the long-term effects of many of these psychiatric drugs, you will find billions of dollars in lawsuits continuing to mount and a list of drugs finally coming off the market.  The problem is, until the government and societal think on pharmaceuticals changes, they will have their next “wonder pill” ready to market to the tv watchers of America to go ask their doctor about it and will pay medical consultants to speak on behalf of their new drugs at conferences.  Something has to change with the regulatory body as well (the FDA).

Prescription Drug Abuse a Top Concern

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) released information regarding its latest national survey, citing that prescription drug abuse had moved into the top four substances abuse problems in the country.  Sharing the top spots are also alcohol, tobacco and marijuana.

Information from drug rehab centers around the nation also conclude the prescription drug addiction continues to be a growing problem.  Whether people start taking the drugs through legitimate prescriptions or not, the abuse potential of many of these drugs make them extremely dangerous.  It’s not uncommon for people addicted to prescriptions to also start using street drug variations, such as people addicted to Adderall moving on to cocaine or meth, and others addicted to painkillers winding up on heroin.

The most important factor to remember is that all drugs are basically toxic to a person’s body, and they all have side effects of some sort.  We encourage people to seek drug-free alternatives to dealing with life’s problems whenever possible, as there are many treatments available.  However, if you or someone you love needs drug rehab help, you may call us today at 1-800-218-6537.

Methadone Addiction and Infants

Sunday, August 16th, 2009

One of the most upsetting situations for counselors at drug rehab centers is when expecting mothers are addicted to drugs.  For pregnant women addicted to opiates, the typical course of action for most doctors is to put them on methadone.  However, there are forums of nurses who say that infants born to mothers on methadone have much more severe withdrawal symptoms than other opiates, which also is the same for adults that have a methadone addiction. 

We have had mothers of newborns who had to go through methadone withdrawal as well as family members contact us and describe the sheer agony that these young lives go through, and as many of us are parents, it is pure hell to imagine inflicting that sort of pain on a baby that has only been alive for a few hours or days.

The problem is that most detox centers will not accept pregnant women for fear of the liability of withdrawing them and possibly causing more damage to the unborn child, yet the drug that doctors recommend is more damaging physically than most prescription painkillers.  Sure there has to be some other solution that can be developed to get both the mother and the unborn infant safely and effectively off of all opiates prior to birth.

Prescription Drugs and Celebrities

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Sorry, I tried to avoid jumping on the Michael Jackson bandwagon, but I finally gave in.  The tragic death of this superstar carries a lesson for us all.  Yesterday’s televised memorial service showed that he was more than an entertainer, that he was a caring individual with a family and many people loved him.

Whether or not there was any “wrongdoing” with regards to his prescription drugs, the obvious connection to his deteriorating health requires a mention here.  We have been warning people of the dangers of prescription drugs, not only for their abuse potential but also their adverse health effects, for many years through this and other rehab-related websites that we use to assist people in finding help.  When these drugs are connected in the death of public figures like Jackson, Heath Ledger, Anna Nicole Smith, and many others, it shows just how dangerous they can be.

When it comes to dealing with physical and mental problems in life, drugs should be a last resort.  There are so many more effective treatments available and in most cases drugs are not necessary.

This is why we proudly work with drug rehab centers that do not put people on replacement drugs or prescribe potentially harmful medications.  If someone you love is struggling with

Changing Our Think About Prescription Drugs

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

Have you been to a hospital or doctor’s office lately?  Many medical personnel have been trained in their schooling to use the word “medicine” instead of “drug” when talking about prescriptions.  This isn’t by mistake – it is a calculated effort by drug companies to lessen the apparent (and real) harmful effects of their drugs.  The idea of a medicine makes something sound much less harmful to someone instead of the word drug.

The reality of the situation, though, is that drug rehab centers in this country are being filled with people addicted to these “medicines” that are so liberally prescribed.  Prescription drug addiction is rampant and is now outpacing most illegal substances.

If you or someone you know is having a problem with prescription drugs, give us a call and we can help you find rehab centers that work.