The Prescription Drug Epidemic in the US
When it comes to dealing with our everyday stresses, many of us will turn to various outlets as a means to relieve us of the pressures which our personal and work lives may inflict upon us. Many turn to their hobbies, families and other methods of relaxation to ease this pressure, but for many, frighteningly they are turning to prescription drugs as a way to escape their daily troubles. Through America, there are thousands who for whatever reason have turned to prescription drugs as a source of release and even recreation. In fact, prescription drug use has become one of the fastest growing epidemics within the US over the past few years. But what has caused for this epidemic to grow to this massive scale?
Firstly, there is the issue of money. Many doctors are finding it difficult to turn down the extra money which prescription drug companies are offering them, but with this extra cash comes the added price of what damage the effects of this drug use can cause to its users. Along with this, the ability to obtain prescription drugs has never been easier. Due to contacts and theft, you can now find many drug sellers on the streets, in the clubs, schools and even working within the medical profession who all aim to do one thing-provide addicts and recreational users with cheap prices they simply cannot turn down. Each state will have a number of 'drug pushers' all whom will be offering a competitive price to lure in young people or those who simply cannot afford their daily habit. We have all read within the newspapers and celebrity magazines about the various celebrities who have also unfortunately turned to prescription drugs as a way to deal with their own problems. There are many whom believe that it is due to the media attention that younger users have grew an interest in using substances, but the truth is that even without this exposure, prescription drugs can often find their way into the lives of youths across America. Although media is to blame for different events and incidents being brought to our attention, we cannot solely put it to blame for this issue.
GET HELP NOW FOR PRESCRIPTION ADDICTION
MISTAKES CAN HAPPEN
Prescriptions can be filled out for a variety of different conditions from minor complaints such as headaches, to more serious matters such as depression. There are many who have inadvertently become addicted to their prescriptions through accidental over dosing of their drug, but it is a sad fact that an addiction can stem from such a simple mistake such as this. It is for this reason that the need for increased awareness about the dangers of prescription drugs for recreational uses and medical use has never been greater. One case in particular which shows the dangers of prescription meds when not administered correctly is in the recent studies into the death of musician, Michael Jackson.
AWARENESS
With this awareness, we can learn more about this epidemic as a society meaning that the ways in which these drugs are accessed can be monitored, controlled and eventually, stopped. Although prescription drugs are used primarily to treat conditions, many are oblivious to the damage which can be caused through prolonged, abusive use of these substances. Not only can there be serious and lasting damage to the body, but there is also the pain and damage which can be inflicted on the families and friends involved.
There may be some who believe that this is not deemed as an epidemic, but labeled a "problem", but the truth is in the levels of individuals who find themselves in rehab every single year. Without noticing this issue and recognizing that we need, as a society, to be aware of how it affects us all, we will never be able to truly get a handle on this 'illness' which is affecting America as a whole.
