We’ve become a nation of pill poppers. Can’t sleep? Trouble focusing? Anxious or depressed? High cholesterol? Just take the corresponding pill, and everything will be all right. Or will it?
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 drugs to solve almost any problem. Americans are taking more prescription medications than ever with nearly 16 million prescriptions written for painkillers like hydrocodone, oxycodone and tramadol each year according to IMS Health. Add the 5 million prescriptions written for sleep aids and 18 million written for anti-depressants, and it is clear that we have become a medicated nation.
The results are overuse, abuse and addiction. Even if users don’t become dependent on their meds, they are still masking the signals their bodies are sending and are less likely to get to the root of their underlying health problems.
Painkillers are particular tricky drugs to use. They can make life manageable for those with chronic pain, but for others they become a nightmare. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that there are 2.1 million Americans addicted to prescription medications.
Advertising may be part of the problem. In the 1990s it became legal for drug makers to advertise. As a result the demand for prescription medications skyrocketed. Instead of doctors suggesting a medication based on a clear need, patients were requesting medications they wanted to try. The drug companies counter that they are making those who are suffering from specific ailments aware that there is a drug out there to help them.
Turning to medication seems so much easier than exploring the issues behind a health problem. Making diet and lifestyle changes, lowering stress and cutting out bad habits are difficult. There aren’t ads for behavioral therapy or classes that teach long-term coping skills. These options take time and energy, but they offer real and lasting results.
If you or someone you love needs treatment for prescription drug addiction, call The Canyon at the toll-free number on our homepage. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
