We all love a dysfunctional family. In the world of prescription drugs, no family is more dysfunctional than the “Codones.” While these drugs are highly effective for alleviating severe or chronic pain, they also pose a significant threat of addiction for those who misuse this class of drugs.
The use of prescription drugs for non-medical purposes has become a serious public health issue, with prescription drug abuse ranking second among illicitly used drugs. In many cases, the abuse stems from a chronic pain complaint, in which a patient is prescribed an opioid, but without adequate warning about its addictive effects.
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The Los Angeles County coroner’s autopsy concluded that the drugs involved in actress Brittany Murphy’s death last December were apparently used to treat a cold or respiratory infection. An earlier statement from the coroner said Murphy’s death was an accident caused by a combination of pneumonia, an iron deficiency and "multiple drug intoxication."
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This week, Minnesota launched a state database that tracks uses of Vicodin, OxyContin, and other narcotic painkillers with abuse potential. Beginning Monday, pharmacies were required to report data on addictive drugs to the Minnesota Prescription Monitoring Program. By late March, doctors, dentists and pharmacists will be able to tap into the system to identify patients who get too many habit-forming medicines.
The family of hitmaker Adam Goldstein (DJ AM) is suing the parties it blames for the late star’s 2008 plane crash, insisting that the incident ultimately caused his death. Goldstein was found dead in his Manhattan apartment in August 2009, and the cause of death was determined to be an overdose of prescription medication.
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A psychiatrist who treated Anna Nicole Smith for drug dependency during her pregnancy said she tried to set up a program to wean her off prescription painkillers but found the celebrity model uncooperative and hostile during her stay in the hospital.
A number of college students have found that the illegal use of Adderall, Ritalin and other prescription drugs can increase performance and alertness while also reducing stress. The problem with these perceived benefits is that it masks the real risk these individuals are incurring for themselves by taking medication without a prescription.
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With the rise in drug and alcohol abuse among teens, three organizations are undertaking an online educational campaign to encourage parents and children of military families to talk about substance abuse.
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British singer Robbie Williams has revealed that his prescription drug addiction almost killed him. The 35-year-old told German magazine Stern that he only sought treatment when “death came knocking” on his door.
“It was damn serious. Death had to knock on my door to help me with my decision,” Williams said, admitting that he was still haunted by fears of relapsing, despite being clean for three years.
“I’m aware I have a self-destructive character, but does this hold me back from being happy? No,” he said.
The singer is making a comeback with a new single, Bodies, out on October 12, and a performance on The X Factor.
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A new study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that teen drug use has dropped significantly in the last six years; however, abuse of prescription painkillers is still an “area of concern” among teens.
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