Oklahoma- The holidays can be a stressful and even depressing time for many people. Statistics have shown that drug abuse increases during this period as many can turn to drugs as a way to alleviate strain during the holiday season. However this year, more and more people are turning to prescription drugs with the abuse of these medications skyrocketing nationwide.
According to data released by the Department of Health and Human Services, nearly half of the American population is taking at least one prescription drug, with one in six taking three or more. American people from all different socio-economic backgrounds are seeking out prescription medication for various reasons; some getting hooked after taking the medications for an illness or ailment and others who fall into the trap of addiction because they begin taking drugs to help them deal with some mental or emotional problem.
"[Americans] have a penchant for going for the quick fix,” says Dr. Lon Castle, Senior Director of the Department of Medical and Analytical Affairs for Medco. “They want medications to treat their problems rather than trying diet and exercise or lifestyle changes, which might also be effective."
According to Castle, prescription drugs may not be the best route to take when hoping to change your lifestyle physically or emotionally. They may also be the least beneficial when it comes to health. Although there are a number of prescription drugs which can assist an individual of poor health, many people are taking prescription drugs which do little to benefit them causing side effects; the primary one being addiction.
"We're taking drugs we really need and we don't, but the body doesn't know the difference when it comes to side effects," says Dr. Mark H. Beers, professor of medicine at the University of Miami School of Medicine and editor-in-chief emeritus of Merck Manuals.
The solution to better health may reside in a simple change in diet and exercise but it for those already addicted the only solution may be through successful rehabilitation.
One drug rehab center,
Narconon Arrowhead is seeing a huge increase in the number of admissions into their treatment facility for prescription drug addiction. Derry Hallmark, Senior Director for Expansion for the center explains that this is not uncommon considering the number of people currently taking prescriptions.
“Of course if an individual has to take these medications for an illness or injury that’s one side of it,” says Hallmark. “But because of the addictive qualities of most prescriptions both doctor’s and patients have to be aware of how easily someone can get hooked on them. And, doctors have to watch out for those already addicted who are trying to get fraudulent prescriptions.”
Hallmark adds that drug rehabilitation, like the type delivered by
Narconon is effective in handling any type of prescription drug addiction and that the type of treatment that works best for prescriptions is one that handles both the mental and physical aspects of the problem.
For more information on getting help for you or someone you know who is struggling with a prescription drug addiction contact
Narconon Arrowhead today at 800-468-6933 or log onto www.stopaddiction.com
