Prescription drugs are becoming more and more prevalent in society. Doctors have become accustomed to prescribing prescription painkillers as the norm. Experts blame American's unwillingness to bear even small pains as well as lack of effective prescription monitoring programs. The increase in prescription drug addiction has now been labeled as an epidemic by the CDC.
A White House study released in July, 2010 documented a 400 percent increase in substance abuse treatment admissions for prescription pain relievers between 1998 and 2008. The non-medical use of prescription pain relievers is now the second-most prevalent form of illicit drug use in America. From 1994 to 2003, the number of prescriptions for controlled substances rose from 22 million to 354 million annually.
Painkillers as Preventive Medicine
Recently, a woman was routed into the hospital emergency room in Largo, Florida as she had difficulty breathing. She wasn't in pain of any magnitude, her complaint was the difficulty breathing. Earlier that day she was working and still functioning normally. After x-rays and tests the doctors diagnosed what was wrong and could repair the difficulty with her breathing. She was not in need of major surgery and still did not complain of pain. However, the next medical action was to prescribe 3 different painkillers over a period of an evening. She wasn’t sure if she should take them but it was given as “medicine”. Her husband feared she was being overmedicated. The drugs given were not for treatment of the condition but opioids for pain despite her not being in pain. The couple did not understand enough about drugs to clearly know the difference.
The misinformation concerning painkillers and the mass marketing to doctors could only account for such an approach. As the medical staff were all well qualified. Perhaps the fear of pain is a far greater issue than pain itself.
Women all over the world, by a great majority, have children without drugs. Yet in America, medicated deliveries in hospitals are the norm. The White House experts statement of Americans’ intolerance for pain does appear to hold some validity in fact.
It certainly is not correct to let someone suffer in agony, however, it perhaps is time that as Americans we review our cultural dependence on substances to get by in life.
The Need For Prescription Drug Reform
According to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, over 23 million Americans are in need of drug rehabilitation services. This is a tremendous impact on our families, culture and economy. 52 million Americans age 12 and older reported a non-medical use of a drug at some point in their lives. That figure represents over 20% of the population.
It is time that we gave serious consideration in prescription drug reform starting with large-scale, unbiased, drug education programs in schools that present just the facts about drugs and drug use. The White House has released a multi-faceted approach which is all well and good provided doctors and patients are also re-educated on the truth about prescription drugs and discuss whether or not there is a need for them, rather than using painkillers as a preventive measure.
The Narconon Solution
Narconon provides effective drug education and has years of experience in educating children and adults on the truth about drugs. They also offer the most effective drug rehabilitation program with a success rate four times that of the international average. Narconon was developed in America and has spread world-wide to over 120 groups and centers.
You can find out more about the truth about drugs and how you can help become active in your community by contacting Narconon East U.S. at 877-237-3307.
