Turning to medication seems easier than exploring the issues behind a health problem. Making diet and lifestyle changes, lowering stress, cutting out bad habits and self-examining are far more difficult. Who wants to do all that work, when they can just take a pill? There aren’t catchy ads for behavioral therapy or classes that teach long-term coping skills.
We’ve become a nation of pill poppers. There is a pill to fix any ailment. Can’t sleep? Trouble focusing? Anxious or depressed? High cholesterol? Just take the corresponding pill. Modern medicine has made amazing advances that save lives every day, but with that progress has come an unintended side effect. Medication has become so ubiquitous that we turn to drug to solve almost any problem.
Americans are taking more prescription medications than ever, as nearly 16 million prescriptions written for painkillers like hydrocodone, oxycodone and tramadol each year according to IMS Health. Add to that the 5 million prescriptions written for sleep aids and 18 million written for antidepressants, and it is clear that we’ve become a medicated nation.
Overuse, abuse and addiction are the most serious concerns, but even those who don’t become dependent on their meds may find that prescriptions still mask bigger problems. By taking pills to hide the signals your body is sending, you are less likely to get to the root of any underlying health problems.
Prescription medications have their time and place. Individuals in chronic pain may find painkillers to be a lifesaver, but others may find they become a nightmare. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that there are 2.1 million Americans addicted to prescription medications. Fortunately help is available.
If you or someone you love needs treatment for prescription drug abuse or addiction, call La Paloma today. We are here 24 hours a day to answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
