Maxfield Barker wrote an interesting story this past month entitled, “Study finds jump in opiate usage”.  In his research he found the number of white men arrested for using opiate prescription drugs has increased nearly 20 percent over the last year, according to a study by ASU’s Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety. (ASU: Arizona State University). The drugs included Vicodin, OxyContin, codeine and Demerol.

Some people abuse prescription drugs instead of illegal street drugs because of their availability. They can talk their doctor into prescribing them, they go doctor shopping, buy them from online internet sites, some steal from friends or relative’s medicine cabinets, others swap pills they have in their possession, and still others buy them from people selling them “on the street.”

The availability of prescription drugs whether achieved on the up and up…or not, make their use even easier for people who would not take to the streets to find illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin.

With the increase of prescription opiate abuse comes the increase of demand for opiate drug rehabs.  We’re here to help find the proper facility for you.  Call for a no obligation consultation (877) 502-1065.

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Individuals who have become addicted to prescription medications may have many reasons why they don’t reach for help.  They may be embarrassed to reveal they’ve been abusing their medications, or they don’t want to appear weak, or they may fear retaliation, regardless, if one has become addicted, they need the proper guideness for their addiction. And all medications are not created equally.

If you find yourself addicted to prescription medications or if you know someone who has, call to speak with one of our trained counselors, we’re here to answer your questions about the road to recovery and find the proper facility to reach your goals. There is no cost to speak with us and there is no obligation. Call now (877) 502-1065.

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The Cheshire Herald ran a story this week written by Josh Morgan. In the article he states that according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is the trend among teenagers, with one in five abusing prescriptions and more than 4,000 teens abusing prescription drugs for the first time every day. Additionally, most of these teens feel there is nothing wrong with prescription drug abuse, since it was prescribed by a doctor.

These types of drugs are abused more often than cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and methamphetamine combined. While experts agree that prescription drugs serve an important purpose under the guidance of a physician, many teens are going to “pharm parties” or “bowling parties,” where every prescription drug on hand is dumped into one container, shaken up, and people take random pills. Maybe the teenagers want to get high or are seeking a thrill, or maybe they have low self-esteem and are trying to cope, but whatever the reason, it’s a new culture that isn’t discussed as often as drugs and alcohol risks.

Jennifer DeWitt with the Central Naugatuck Valley Regional Action Council spoke to a panel at Town Hall in Cheshire Connecticut. She informed the panel that there are plenty of myths about the lack of risks with prescription drugs and that teens believe prescription drugs are safe because it has an intended medical purpose. There is a perception of safety with it.

From 1995 to 2004, DeWitt explained that fatal medication-error cause of death, akin to an overdose, increased more than 3,000 percent. That increase, especially among teenagers, comes from the belief that such medication will not have significant side effects, unlike illegal recreation drugs. The truth, however, is that many painkillers, such as OxyContin, are opiate-based. The street drug heroin is also an opiate and, many times, an addiction or abuse of a prescription narcotic painkiller translates into a heroin habit.

“Young people are crushing and snorting prescription drugs and they move on to heroin and it’s not just taken intravenously anymore,” DeWitt said. “I was told it’s $50 a pill for OxyContin, and $5 a bag for heroin. Heroin addiction is the number one treatment in Connecticut.”
According to DeWitt, the number one heroin-addicted patient in Connecticut is a white, suburban male between 18 and 24 years old. She told the audience that it was important to become a teen influencer and to talk to the kids about the risks of prescription drug abuse, just like you would talk to a teenager about other drugs or alcohol.

Prescription Abuse Rehab Reference Center offers a free no obligation assessment to help our counselors determine a proper rehab facility for your particular situation – Click here for Assessment.  If you need immediate assistance, call toll free at (877) 502-1065.

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In a study released by the Utah Department of Health, highlighted factors in 432 drug overdose deaths including financial problems, a history of previous substance abuse and mental health concerns.

Recommendations given by Kurt Manwaring who has worked with the drug court program in Salt Lake County and has published two academic journal articles on issues related to substance abuse:

1. Public awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

2. Public support for those who need help with addiction.

3. There must be a proper understanding of the origins of addiction.

The 2009 Monitoring the Future survey indicates a continuing high rate of non-medical use of prescription drugs and cough syrup among teens. Seven of the top 10 drugs abused by 12th graders in the year prior to the survey were prescribed or, purchased over the counter.

Nearly 1 in 10 high school seniors reported past year non-medical use of Vicodin, and 1 in 20 reported abusing Oxycontin, also a powerful opioid painkiller. Non-medical use of these painkillers has increased among 10th graders in the past five years.

Prescription abuse is a serious problem affecting all sectors of our society and it appears to be getting worse. 

If you need help or you know someone who needs help overcoming prescription abuse or addiction, call us for a no obligation, no cost consultation on what options you have. (877) 502-1065.

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