Every day, many Americans are admitted to emergency rooms in hospitals across the country due to complications with prescription drug abuse.  This could be the result of many factors to include taking too many drugs at once or combining them with alcohol – a potentially deadly cocktail.  An individual who abuses prescription drugs may also experience mood disorders.  Some common affects on mood include:  lack of mental clarity, erratic behavior, a frequent state of confusion, anxiousness, the inability to sleep or sleeping too much and hyperactivity or increased alertness.   

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Some of the most frequently abused prescription drugs include Vicodin, OxyContin, Xanax, Ritalin and Adderall.  For those abusing prescription drugs, some common behaviors can be indicative that a problem with addiction may be present.  Some obvious red flags include the following:  requesting frequent prescription refills, random medical appointments, frequently switching doctors, lying, previous or current illicit drug use, lack of pain relief with any prescription drug, and asking for prescription drugs from family members.  Other behaviors that may be signs of abuse include problems at work or decreased social activity and the refusal of random drug screenings.   

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With the increase in the abuse of prescription drugs the question of who is abusing prescription drugs becomes a relevant one.  Are abusers from the middle or upper class or are most of them college students looking to have a good time?  Perhaps they can be found on the street, panhandling for every dollar they get. The answer is prescription drug abusers can be found in all of these categories and more. They are doctors, fathers and mothers, teenagers, college students, prostitutes, truck drivers – basically they come from all walks of life.   

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Drug abuse among college students is becoming a problem. According to a 2004 survey of college students, it is estimated that 7.4 percent have used the painkiller known as Vicodin without a prescription.  Prescription drug abuse is highest among men. Prescription drug abuse is also higher at schools located in the Northeast, among Whites and among fraternity and sorority members.   

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There is a negative effect on the quality of life for those abusing prescription drugs. However, for pregnant women in this situation the concern is for the mother as well as the unborn child.  It has been determined that around five percent of pregnant women have used illicit drugs at some time during their pregnancy.  And the sad fact is this estimate is considered to be on the low end.  The affects on the mother and unborn child include a higher risk for pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, delivery complications, not enough weight gain by the mother, postpartum depression, maternal suicide and a host of issues after the infant’s birth. 

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The media headlines come and go reference prescription drug abuse by celebrities such as Anna Nicole Smith and Michael Jackson but many still struggle with abuse.  If you think you may suffer from prescription drug abuse it’s important to realize that the end result can be the same as some of the celebrities – death.  Prescription drug abuse can lead to many physical problems to include drowsiness, constipation, low heart rate, anxiety and paranoia to name a few.  According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 9 million people abused prescription drugs in 1999. 

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The abuse of prescription drugs has become an increasing problem in the United States since the 1990’s.  The illegal use of prescription opioids, which include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), propoxyphene (Darvon), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), and diphenoxylate (Lomotil), has increased from 600,000 in 1990 to more than 5.2 million abusers in 2006.  Who is a prescription drug abuser?  A prescription drug abuser is anyone who takes prescription medication that is not prescribed for them or takes it for reasons or in doses other than as prescribed. 

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For those abusing prescription drugs, heroin addiction is often not far behind.  It seems that prescription drug abuse often leads to the later abuse of heroin.  According to a study conducted in Delaware, four out of five heroin addicts first abused prescription drugs.  Often time’s, the illegal use of prescription drugs is a starting point for individuals looking for a quick high.  The appeal to those who abuse prescription drugs is three-fold:  1) prescription drug abusers feel that they’re safe; 2) abusers often don’t feel like the stigma of ‘junkie’ is attached to taking a few pills; 3) they’re relatively easy to obtain. 

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On September 29, 2009 Dr. Oz was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss the dangers of prescription drug abuse.  According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, more Americans abuse prescription drugs than cocaine, heroin and ecstasy combined. "What started out as a legitimate prescription for pills from a doctor now has 6 million Americans addicted," Dr. Oz says.  

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Do you feel like you are constantly stressed out?  Your thoughts are racing and you just can't seem to shut your mind off. Recently on CNN Health, Cindy from Montana asked a question:  

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Everyone worries from time to time.  How do you know if your anxiety is out of control? “According to Katherine Schneebaum, M.D., a board certified family practitioner at Riverview Medical Center, it's not normal to worry for six months or more, or for worry to disturb your work or home life. "These could be signs that you are suffering from generalized anxiety disorder," says Dr. Schneebaum."  Anxiety is a treatable illness that is more prevalent in women than men and seems to run in the genes.  

How do you know if you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Some of the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include fatigue, insomnia, difficulty swallowing breathlessness, pounding heartbeat, nausea, muscle tension, restlessness, headaches, irritability, and/or hot flashes. You may also experience medical conditions caused by your anxiety like irritable bowel syndrome, depression, or substance abuse.

How do I get help for my Anxiety?
“According to Dr. Schneebaum, the first step to getting better is to talk with your doctor if you suspect you have generalized anxiety disorder. Prescription antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs can help ease your excessive worrying and relieve other symptoms. You and your doctor should discuss which type of medication and how much will best treat your condition.

Another option is to talk with a counselor. Two types of therapy can teach you how to rein in your worries when anxiety-provoking situations arise. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to change both how you think and how you act, while behavioral therapy focuses solely on changing unwanted behaviors. "Sometimes the best option is to combine one of these talk therapies with medication," says Dr. Schneebaum.”

What can I do to help ease my Anxiety?
Here is a list of things Dr Schneebaum recommends to help you feel better while you are being treated:
- Encourage members of your family to help you with your treatment goals.
- Learn and practice relaxation techniques.
- Avoid substances that could make you more anxious. These may include caffeine and even certain over-the-counter cold medications.
- Join a generalized anxiety disorder support group.
- Engage in regular aerobic exercise.
- Enjoy a joke. Keeping a sense of humor may reduce tension.

 

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