Prescription Drug Abuse

The incorrect use of prescription drugs is rapidly becoming a very serious issue in the United States. Increasing numbers of individuals seek simple solutions, most often in the form of a pill, for a variety of symptoms which were either not recognized or not considered to be abnormal five, ten, or even fifteen years ago. Today, there are pharmaceutical treatments for virtually every sensation, ranging from anxiety, restlessness, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, hair loss, obesity, just to name a few. The issues with taking such steps are numerous, including unanticipated side effets, counter-indications with other medications and supplements, and most dangerously, overuse of prescription drugs often leads to a new effect: addiction, and hence overuse which in extreme cases may have deadly consequences.

Most of us are aware of the addictive qualities of such drugs as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamines, and the potential fatal side effects of overuse with respect to these substances. But, with the exception of the death of a famous personality, most are unaware of the devastating impacts of prescription painkillers that millions of Americans are prescribed on a daily basis. According to recent numbers published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 26,000 fatal overdoses every year as a direct result of prescription drug medication addiction. According to the CDC, the number of overdose deaths from opioid painkillers such as morphine and codeine more than tripled from 1999 to 2006, with nearly 14,000 reported deaths in 2006 alone. Even more alarming is the statement that prescription pain killer deaths have now surpassed those of heroin and cocaine as the leading cause of fatal overdoses. According to the experts, it is an unrecognized epidemic.

The problem is most prevalent in the United States where prescription medications, especially painkillers, are prescribed to too many patients on a regular basis. The European Union has far more stringent regulations on the prescription of antibiotics, painkillers, antidepressants, and otherwise, and the CDC notes that one of the reasons why so many Americans are abusing painkillers is a direct result of the obesity epidemic. As Americans grow older and heavier, issues associated with weight gain are more prevalent: joints bearing heavier weight deteriorate more rapidly; arthritis has increased, as has diabetes, cardiovascular issues and various ligament, tendon and muscle damage. Unfortunately, rather than pursue a longer-term solution to the underlying condition through lifestyle, dietary, fitness and wellness regimens, many seek a quick fix to the symptoms.

The statistics released by the CDC are fairly shocking in their revelation. Obesity has become far more than just an epidemic affecting the overall quality of individuals’ lives; it has evolved to the point where individuals are combating their attendant pain with prescription painkillers and are becoming addicted in the process, leading to a dangerous spiral that must be halted. There are alternatives, it is time to stop seeking the simple answer and focus upon alternatives which will lead to optimal health on all levels.

Learn more at UltraFitnessDynamics