While there are several issues believed to be contributing to America’s ongoing opioid epidemic, new research suggests one of the biggest factors could be that doctors are overprescribing painkillers after surgery. A study published in JAMA Surgery says that many surgeons are giving more than four times the necessary number of opioids to patients after…
ReadWhen Tiger Woods was arrested early last Monday morning for DUI, he unwittingly became the face of a growing problem in America. Unlike most DUI’s that get reported in the media, Woods wasn’t driving under the influence of alcohol or any other illicit substance. Instead, the incident was the result of “an unexpected reaction to…
ReadOpioid addiction can push people to many extremes in order to satiate their cravings or hold off withdrawal. This includes taking mass amounts of over-the-counter medications to achieve a euphoric high similar to opioids. Experts warn that some people addicted to opioids are abusing an anti-diarrhea drug known as loperamide or Imodium that can have…
ReadRecent data collected between 2007 and 2009 suggests that while the abuse of illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and heroin has seen a dramatic decline, abuse of prescription drugs, specifically oxycodone, has steadily risen. This from a study of emergency department visits in 11 major metropolitan areas. As reported by Kristina Fiore for MedPage…
ReadThe tragic death of Johnny Lewis by suicide sounds like a crime investigation television show. Lewis was found dead outside of a home in Los Feliz and the 81- year old homeowner, Catherine Davis was found dead inside, apparently a victim of Mr. Lewis. Lewis, 28, was renting a room from Ms. Davis. Last week…
ReadRecently prescription drug abuse related deaths in Oklahoma surpassed illegal or street drug related deaths. Is the “War on Drugs” fighting the right enemy? Or, should the focus on drug abuse and addiction be shifted to the growing problem of prescription drug abuse. Maybe, the battlegrounds of the war should include expanding treatment and prevention…
ReadIn 2010 an abuse deterrent formulation of OxyContin was introduced. With this new formulation, “Oxy” would be harder to crush and put into solution for snorting or injection and it was believed that OxyContin abuse and addiction would decline. A study of people entering substance abuse treatment programs for primary prescription opioid addiction involved a…
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