Did you know that the increased state of drowsiness resulting from the combination of a pain pill and a single serving of alcohol can lead to deadly overdose?

Opiates, such as morphine, codeine, and meperidine do not mix with alcohol; in fact, the combination takes each drug to a deadly level. Just one alcoholic beverage increases the availability of propoxyphene in the body, potentially heightening the sedative effects.

Do you order drugs online without a prescription?  Has someone you know placed an order for RXs over the internet to save a few bucks?  Investigation reveals that this is a deadly practice.

"Harmful ingredients found in counterfeit medicines include arsenic, boric acid, leaded road paint, floor and shoe polish, talcum powder, chalk and brick dust and nickel,"  reported Dr Graham Jackson of the UK initiative for greater awareness of the dangers and consequences of the counterfeit drugs market. 

The best approach to protecting yourself and those you know may be ordering prescriptions over the internet is awareness.  Though some internet pharmacies are legitimate, many online pharmacies lack proper protocol and intentionally sell altered and counterfeit drugs says Jackson. Using a reputable and regulated pharmacy that fills only legally prescribed drugs will reduce the odds of receiving counterfeit drugs.

For more information:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090127103310.htm

An increasing number of South Florida pharmacies have responded to the national prescription drug abuse crisis by refusing to fill out-of-state visitor prescriptions. 

Bruce Derby, manager of a Fort Lauderdale pharmacy, said that the decision to limit their service to in state prescriptions has caused a 20% decline in sales; a sacrifice he is willing to take to curb pill trafficking.

The stipulations for filling prescription drugs include an in-state id, pharmacies have reserved the right to serve tourists and "snow birds."



 

In effort to overcome chronic pain without the risk of drug addiction, researchers have long sought to employ alternative treatment options.  Alternative pain management involves mind-body therapies, acupuncture, herbal supplements, chiropractic adjustment and massage, touch techniques and more.

Exercise and lifestyle changes are often the first step in creating a successful pain management plan.  The lifestyle changes may include a health-centered diet, mind-body fitness like yoga, relaxation techniques, aromatherapy and frequent bio-feedback sessions. 

The World Health Organization has stated that more than 30 diseases or conditions can be treated through the use of acupuncture therapy.  One of the leading cases for acupuncture is pain relief.  Acupuncture is thought to reduce pain by increasing the release of pain-fighting hormone, endorphins.

Herbal therapy is also a popular form of treatment in today's alternative medicine circle.  However, due to the risk of interaction, its affect can be as hazardous as a daily routine of prescription pills.

Explore a holistic approach to your health and pain management, ask your doctor about emerging therapies, and alternative approach to prescriptions and invasive medical procedures.  Become educated about the drugs you are prescribed, their risk of dependency, side effects, and interactions.  Ask about trial treatments and mind-body therapies that may help overcome your greatest obstacle: chronic pain.

Pain is a positive function of the human body.  It is necessary and vital to overall health.  Pain is the body's mechanism for self-preservation.  Pain alerts people to their physical condition, serving as a warning sign of danger.  The inability to sense pain puts a person at increased risk for burns, exhaustion, serious health issues that go undiagnosed and other hazards that can arise from everyday activity. 

There are two types of pain acute and chronic.  Acute pain is the result of tissue damage and is typically short-term.  The cause of acute pain can easily be identified. Chronic pain, however, is persistent pain lasting more than six months that may or may not be the result of an injury or medical problem.  Chronic pain limits daily functioning and can induce additional hardship and side effects.

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, know that you are not alone.  Chronic pain costs Americans $70 billion dollars a year.   Nearly 80 million people suffer from chronic pain in the United States alone.  Chronic pain is the leading cause for disability of Americans under 45 in the United States.

At least 40 million Americans suffer chronic, recurring headaches

A total of $4 billion a year is spent on headache medication yearly

Migraine sufferers lose 65 million workdays each year

Chronic pain is best treated with a pain management program tailored to you.  Your program should be developed and closely monitored by a physician whom you trust and can communicate with.  Pain management plans are integrated approached to managing a disorder.  A pain management program is likely to include prescription and medical treatment, exercise, lifestyle change and continuous self-evaluation of pain level.  Most pain management plans attempt reduce the patient's dependence on drugs.  Alternative therapies are developed and tested regularly.

If you find yourself suffering from chronic pain and turning to prescription drugs for relief, enlist the care of a qualified physician immediately.