In an era when doctors are writing more prescriptions than ever, misuse and abuse of prescription drugs has become a growing epidemic.
According to recent data released by the department of Health and Human Services, approximately 20 percent of Americans have intentionally misused prescription medications on at least one occasion. The most commonly abused prescription drugs are opioids such as hydrocodone and oxycodone, which are known to produce sensations of euphoria and can be found in brand-name pain relievers such as Vicodin and Oxycontin.
Despite the fact that many believe prescription drug abuse is safer than that of other well-known recreational drugs, the number of serious complications resulting from prescription drug overdose continues to increase. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, one out of every four drug-related emergency room visits is associated with prescription drug abuse.
However, experts maintain that intentional abuse of medications for recreational purposes is only part of the problem. Equally disturbing, many claim, is the widespread use of potentially dangerous prescription drugs among regular patients who lack appropriate consumer awareness of the risks associated with their medications. The emergence of rogue internet medication distributors has made it even easier for at-risk patients to avoid restrictive prescribing programs and obtain medications in the absence of risk information.
While many in the health sector are taking actions to change this reality, consumer drug awareness is still a relatively new undertaking. According to the Food and Drug Administration, almost half of all patients received no drug information alongside their prescription medications in the mid 1990s. And while the issuance of patient-friendly information has since been on the rise, many safety awareness measures continue to lag as prescription medication use increases.
Many place blame on drug companies, stating certain manufacturers have downplayed the risks of medications such as Vioxx, Accutane and others for the sake of sales. In the case of Accutane, which has recently been linked to inflammatory bowel disease and has become the subject of a number of Accutane lawsuits, a patient-friendly medication guide was not issued until 2001, even though the medication was initially approved by the FDA in 1982.
In light of these staggering statistics, a number of health agencies and organizations across the country have launched initiatives to inform the public about the potential dangers associated with prescription medication use.
DrugWatch.com is one such initiative, and is committed to delivering continual breaking news on prescription medications, drug recalls and pharmaceutical safety alerts. On DrugWatch.com viewers can browse through hundreds of prescription medications to find information on dangerous drug side effects, hazardous drug interactions and drug overdose. During a time when prescription drug use is greater than ever, DrugWatch.com provides a vital resource to help consumers stay informed, stay healthy and stay safe.
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If you are suffering from prescription drug abuse and would like to speak to a professional about detoxing safely from prescription drugs please call us on 0845 686 2323.
