Prescription drug abuse is a common phenomenon throughout much of the U.S. However, the specific rates of abuse can vary considerably between individual states. In a report published in July 2014, researchers from Quest Diagnostics examined the rates of prescription medication abuse across America and looked for underlying reasons that could explain why some states […]
Do Prevention Programs Affect Prescription Drug Abuse? Read More »
Relatively large numbers of people in the U.S. abuse an opioid medication normally prescribed to treat pain or certain other medical issues. In turn, a substantial number of prescription opioid users and abusers will develop opioid dependence or full-blown opioid addiction. In a study published in June 2014 in the journal Addictive Behaviors, researchers from
Is Dependence on Prescription Opioids Linked to Sleeping Problems? Read More »
From back strains to sports injuries, chronic pain is surprisingly common. About 116 million Americans are estimated to struggle with chronic pain. While there are many ways to manage it, some individuals turn to drugs to relieve the discomfort. Unfortunately, this creates the potential for drug abuse and addiction and, ultimately, the need for drug
High-risk drug/medication use is a term that describes a pattern of drug or medication intake that substantially increases the chances that a person will experience a seriously negative substance-related health outcome. In addition to diagnosable abuse or addiction, the most prominent potential negative outcome is overdose. In a study published in March 2014 in the
High-Risk Use of Prescription Opioids Blamed for Deaths in Tennessee Read More »
When soldiers return they bring home wounds both physical and mental. A recent study found that more than half of soldiers who receive opioid painkiller prescriptions continue to request and receive them months after they should have. This chronic use has spurred doctors to find the reasons why veterans can’t let go of their pain
Half a Million Soldiers Battle Prescription Drug Abuse Back at Home Read More »
In 2010, 6,600 women died from prescription painkiller overdose, according to a report that was recently released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Just as alarming, for every woman who dies from these medications, 30 will visit the emergency room for painkiller abuse or misuse. Prescription painkillers can be an appropriate and effective way
Women’s Prescription Painkiller Deaths Up 400 Percent Read More »
Being addicted to more than one drug presents unique challenges for rehab centers. Generally speaking, it’s more difficult because there are two different foreign chemicals being introduced into the individual’s body, so both have to be considered separately from a medical perspective. Although the psychological requirements for individuals addicted to multiple drugs are roughly the
What If I am Addicted to Two or More Drugs? What Will Rehab Do for Me? Read More »
Methamphetamine is a controlled, stimulant drug that is available legally in prescription form. This drug is commonly abused by those looking for a high and the ability to stay awake for long periods of time. The addictive nature of this drug, along with its potentially harmful side effects, makes methamphetamine a dangerous substance that should
The headline is pretty startling, but it’s nothing we should be very surprised at, given the prevalence of news accounts of drug use on the rise all across America. Still, the comprehensive study undertaken by Quest Diagnostics Health Trends reveals some sobering statistics that should raise red flags – and lead to more careful monitoring
