Part I By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA There’s no doubt that prescription drug abuse is a major problem in America, and it’s escalating in epic proportions. Prescription drug abuse affects men, women and teens. Concerning trends include older adults, adolescents and women. On MSNBC’s website, Karen Asp writes, Superwoman syndrome fuels pill-pop culture, and it’s about how “Overwhelmed overachievers turn to prescription drugs for an edge.” This article is a little misleading since there…
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Doctors – First, to do no harm A Guest Blog by Kevin Soden, MD The latest news reports alleging that multiple prescription drugs have been found in Michael Jackson’s house – some unmarked, others with pseudonyms often used by Jackson and one particular medicine- should send a wakeup call to many in the medical profession, especially those doctors working with or friends with the rich and famous. It reminds me of the so-called medical professionals…
Read More...Prescription Drugs: Keep Out of Reach of Teens
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Will Hiding Mom & Dad’s Meds Keep Teens’ Hands off Them? Keep Out of Reach of Teens While fewer teens may be trying inhalants as reported recently in The Wall Street Journal, more teens are abusing prescription drugs. “Every day, 2,500 kids age 12 to 17 abuse a prescription painkiller for the first time, and more people are getting addicted to prescription drugs,” according to the federal Substance Abuse…
Read More...Opioid Dependence
Opioid Dependence by Carl R. Sullivan, MD The United States is currently experiencing an epidemic of patients dependent on opioids. These drugs, which are also known as narcotics, opiates and pain killers include some of the most addictive drugs known to man. Many people are familiar with the opioid drug heroin, which has been illegal in the United States for more than 100 years. While there has been a recent mild resurgence in the use…
Read More...Opioid Abuse – Prescription Drug Abuse: Seductive, Sedating Drugs Can Wreak Havoc on Your Health and Life
Opioid Abuse – Prescription Drug Abuse: Seductive, Sedating Drugs Can Wreak Havoc on Your Health and Life By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Prescription drug abuse is a major health problem in the United States with Opioids leading the pack of drugs that are abused. People on the street usually refer to Opioids as narcotics. Opioids are powerful pain relievers and consist of OxyContin, Percodan, Percoset, Morphine, Vicodin, Dilaudid, Lortab and Codeine. Pain, the fifth…
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