MSN has recently posted a brief article on the myths about prescription drugs. The main interest point shows that the vast majority of people that are prescribed pain killers and other prescription drugs that follow the doctor’s directions to not become addicted. The article states that most of the people that become addicted have "significant" drug histories and have had addiction problems prior.
What this means is that when someone chooses to ignore what the doctor said and take prescription drugs when they are not needed or take too much or abuse them in any way, that person is on the road to addiction. This article also says that some people become addicted when they followed the directions so it is always best to watch yourself and to pay attention when taking a prescribed drug.
There are good points in the article. It is obvious there is a problem with prescription drugs though. People of all ages end up dependent on them. In 2001 President Bush vowed to fight prescription drug addiction in the elderly. I think that problem is worse. There is plenty of crime connected to painkiller abuse. There are teens and college students abusing prescription drugs including painkillers. The article seems like it is trying to say there really isn’t a problem.
As a healthcare provider I find that the biggest issue with abuse is likely depression and anxiety. WHY? Because NOTHING actually works, like the prozacs, celexa’s, etc, but the one and ONLY class of drugs that leads to pure EUPHORIA in almost everyone is the opiate class of dugs – hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, etc. They make people feel GOOD! One dose of opiates can change the brain forever and they treat depression by boosting mood. Downside – addiction and alot of baggage, BUT they are the only real mood uplifters out there. People start on them for pain, realize they are happier, more energetic, clean the house, etc. and you can;tblame them for reaching for the one thing that works. If only we could synthesize and make it safer then THAT would finally actually help depression – not the SSRI crap that’s like the atkins diet……gives great hope and let’s you down worse!