The Dangers Of Oxycontin And Other Prescription Drugs

OxyContin is a controlled release formula for oxycodone, a narcotic analgesic, used to treat chronic severe and moderate pain. When used properly, the drug provides pain relief for up to 12 hours; however, OxyContin addiction is very common with reports of unscrupulous doctors dealing the drug for profit, addicted celebrities and a number of overdose deaths. 

 

Prescription Drug Addiction

The number of people suffering from prescription drug addiction is steadily growing as more and more people use them for nonmedical reasons. Due to the bad publicity associated with this drug, many patients suffering from chronic pain are shying away from it for fear of addiction. Access to the drug is more difficult due to strict enforcement laws, fear among healthcare providers and the climate of suspicion surrounding the drug.

Because of the drug's potential for abuse, OxyContin is a Schedule II controlled substance, subjecting it to strict distribution guidelines. As a member of the agonist opioid group of painkillers, which produce better effects the more a patient consumes, it is tailor made for patients with chronic pain. It stimulates opioid receptors in the brain, central nervous system and in the spinal cord, offering relief to chronic pain. 

 

Ways OxyContin Is Abused

Addicts aim to counter the controlled release feature of the drug by snorting, chewing or directly injecting the drug in order to achieve an instant high. As with most other addictive narcotics, with prolonged use, addicts require larger amounts of the drug in order to get high.

 

Oxycontin and Other Prescription Pill Dangers 

OxyContin is just one among many prescription pills that people today are abusing. Other commonly abused drugs include Vicodin, Valium, Ativan and many more. In addition to certain celebrities, addition to prescription drugs is common with students and business people who use them to deal with the pressure and competitiveness in college and in business. Addiction to prescription medication has greatly affected all areas of the society.

 

Dangers Of Prescription Drug Abuse

 

• Addiction is one of the biggest dangers of prescription drugs. When a person becomes addicted, the body develops an uncontrollable craving and needs more and more quantities of the drug in order to function. The lack of access to the drug results in a range of withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, among others.

• Misuse of prescription medication can lead to various serious health problems.

• Prescription drugs can be a danger to other people. Some of these drugs cause symptoms such as drowsiness and poor judgment, which may interfere with actions such as driving, possibly resulting in accidents.

• Abuse of prescription drugs may lead to future legal trouble.

Strict control of OxyContin and other prescription medication by qualified medical practitioners is essential in order to lower the chances of prescription pain pill dangers.

Can Drinking Lead To Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a condition that generally occurs only in men ages 55 and over. A number of factors have been found to increase the risk of development, including exposure to various chemicals and genetics. In recent years, new evidence has been brought to light – that heavy drinking may play a role as well.

Even Light Drinking Increases Prostate Cancer Risk

Males who use alcohol have been found to increase their risk of developing various cancer types. Studies show the risk to be present even in cases where an individual does not drink enough to become drunk. Those who use alcohol - even just a little – over a prolonged period still stand at risk.

How Does Alcohol Increases Cancer Risk?

There are a variety of theories surrounding the correlation between alcohol use and cancer. Some experts believe that alcohol is converted into a toxic chemical by the body. This chemical is to blame for the discomfort experienced during the common hangover. The chemical can also prevent cell repair and damage DNA in the user. Drinking may also cause decreased folate amounts, while increasing various hormone levels. Each of these factors have been shown to increase cancer risks.

How Much Does Prostate Cancer Likelihood Increase For Drinkers?

Scientists have recently found a specific link between prostate cancer risks and alcohol use. A study performed by Australian and North American scientists appears to indicate that men who drink just two alcoholic beverages per day increase their risk for prostate cancer by 20%. The study also indicated heightened risks with increased consumption.

Learn more about drug abuse, addiction and living a sober life with Above It All Treatment.  Let us help you start a life of recovery from drugs and alcohol!

Signs And Symptoms Of Addiction

Signs of substance abuse and addiction may vary according to the addiction at hand. In order to determine the presence of addiction, one must know what to look for.

Signs And Symptoms Of Addiction

• A change in appetite is often one of the first symptoms associated with substance abuse or addiction. A noticeable increase or decrease in appetite may serve as a red flag for concerned friends and loved ones.

• Another symptom associated with addiction is a withdrawal from friends and relatives. You may notice the individual associating with a new group of peers. Other addicts will alienate themselves completely.

• Excessive and abnormal amounts of alone time in the bathroom or bedroom in addition to unexplained school or employment absences may prove as yet another warning sign. Take note of any aggression or defensiveness when the individual is confronted about these behaviors. 

• Wild mood swings, irritability and irrational behavior may indicate an issue with drugs or alcohol. Other behavioral and personality changes may include: stealing, lying, sneakiness, lack of concentration and focus, unexplained euphoria, violence and paranoia.

• Smells and clothing may be indicative of a substance abuse issue. Alcoholics will often attempt to cover the smell with mouth wash, mints and gum.

• Drug addicts who use needles to inject the substance will generally adorn garments with long sleeves to hide track marks and other red flags.

• Not every symptom will be easily spotted. Fortunately, addiction is not easily hidden. Keep your eyes and mind open.

Need Addiction Treatment  Help?

• If you or a loved one is struggling with an alcohol or narcotic addiction, Above it All Treatment Center is the place to call.

California Senators Urge Purdue Pharma To Name Suspect Physicians

Two California senators are calling on OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma to name physicians suspected of liberal prescription practices.

The action was made in response to a recent LA Times article describing a 10 year effort by the corporation to I.D. problematic prescribers of its highly addictive and potent pain killer. Purdue Pharma was able to amass a database of over 1,800 physicians who showed signs of reckless prescribing.

Purdue has appeared to keep its concerns to a minimum, referring a total of 154 cases to medical regulators and authorities since the investigation began in ’02. Legal counsel for Purdue said that the decision as to whether or not to refer a physician was “essentially a judgment call” determined on a case-by-case basis following corporate review.

President of the Medical Board of California, Sharon Levine expressed her approval of the senators’ request and is hoping for Purdue compliance.

“We would be thrilled to have that information,” Levine said. She also stated that although the database would likely lack physical evidence of wrongdoing, that it could offer some valuable leads down the road.

As seen in many other areas of the country, California is struggling with a prescription drug death issue – deemed an “epidemic” by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Purdue’s introduction of a tamper-resistant OxyContin in 2010 sought to make the drug more difficult to abuse. In a recent study performed by Purdue, maximum-strength OxyContin prescriptions – favored by addicts – was shown to have plummeted by a whopping eighty percent following the new pill’s introduction.

Coincidence? We think not.

If you’re struggling with a pain pill addiction, Above it All Addiction Treatment Center is the place to turn. With a team of seasoned rehabilitation specialists available to assess and address your individual needs, you can count on Above it All to have you on the fast track to recovery in no time. Call today!

The Legacy of Cory Monteith

The hit TV show “Glee” regularly depicts real-world issues within the confines of William McKinley High School. The episodes only pale in comparison to the recent death of star Cory Monteith.

The actor passed away this past July at age 31 due to a toxic combination of alcohol and heroin, according to the Canadian coroner’s report.

On “Glee”, Cory played a singer/clean-cut quarterback on his way to college. However, the actor was quick to let fans know just how different his own story really was.

Cory freely discussed details of his past with the press: drinking and drug use at age 13, high school drop out and stealing to account for the next high. Following an intervention from family and friends, Cory decided to seek help for his drug addiction at age 19.

Over time, Cory was able to clean himself up, begin acting, and in 2009, shot to stardom with the cast of “Glee”. By all accounts, Cory was a beautiful individual inside and out.

However, like many recovering addicts, Cory struggled with sobriety. Reports confirm that the actor voluntarily re-entered a rehabilitation facility in March of this year, successfully completing a 30-day program. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough.

Cory’s death is but another reminder of the perils associated with drug and alcohol abuse. Athlete or artist, poor or rich, old or young, struggling or successful – nobody is safe.

When one star overdoses, fans mourn by the millions. The sad fact is that drug and alcohol abuse takes hundreds of thousands of wonderful people each year, with little to no attention from the general public.

It’s important to view Cory’s struggle as an example for families to follow. His addiction and demise do not make him a hypocrite. They make him a human being.

Surely, Cory Monteith would prefer that his fans and friends do more than mourn another celebrity death. When “Glee” returns to living rooms this coming season, the producers will likely pay tribute. They may even present a story to help fans avoid the same pitfalls.

Here’s hoping that Cory’s story motivates each of us to take a stand for the generations to come.