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In my view, the successful implementation of the plan could see the country freed from the menace of prescription drug abuse. Apart from OxyContin, which is essentially a narcotic painkiller, the other prescription drugs which are commonly abused according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse are stimulants and sedatives (U.S. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health, 2013).
Conclusion
The abuse of prescription drugs is a problem that must be addressed urgently. In addition to adversely affecting the health of users, prescription drugs could also lead to a significant increase in inappropriate behavior. As I have already pointed out in the text above, OxyContin is significantly more expensive than other drugs. Individuals who would want to continue abusing the drug may therefore have to go to extreme lengths including engaging in criminal behavior to obtain cash to purchase the drug. The level of misinformation with regard to the side effects of the drug is also worrying. In the final analysis therefore, there is an urgent need for stakeholders to develop more effective ways of combating the abuse of prescription drugs like OxyContin.
References
Girard, J.G. (2011)....
Criminalistics: Forensic Science, Crime and Terrorism (2nd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Hales, D. (2010). An Invitation to Health: Choosing to Change. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.
Hanson, G., Venturelli, P. & Fleckenstein, a. (2011). Drugs and Society (11th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Hyde, M.O. & Setaro, J.F. (2003). Drugs 101: An Overview for Teens. Minneapolis, MN: Twenty-First Century Books.
Lowinson, J.H., Ruiz, P., Millman, R.B. & Langrod, J.G. (2005). Substance Abuse: A Comprehensive Textbook (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (2012, December). The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction: What is Drug Addiction? Retrieved May 15, 2013, from: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-abuse-addiction
Samuels, H.C. & O'Boyle, J. (2013). Alive Again: Recovering from Alcoholism and Drug Addiction. West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons.
Swartz, J.A. (2012). Substance Abuse in America: A Documentary and Reference Guide. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO.
The White House (2013). Prescription Drug Abuse. Retrieved May 14, 2013, from: http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/prescription-drug-abuse
U.S. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health (2013, May 7). Prescription Drug Abuse. Retrieved May 15, 2013, from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/prescriptiondrugabuse.html
References
Girard, J.G. (2011). Criminalistics: Forensic Science, Crime and Terrorism (2nd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Hales, D. (2010). An Invitation to Health: Choosing to Change. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.
Hanson, G., Venturelli, P. & Fleckenstein, a. (2011). Drugs and Society (11th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Hyde, M.O. & Setaro, J.F. (2003). Drugs 101: An Overview for Teens. Minneapolis, MN: Twenty-First Century Books.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (2012, December). The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction: What is Drug Addiction? Retrieved May 15, 2013, from: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-abuse-addiction
The White House (2013). Prescription Drug Abuse. Retrieved May 14, 2013, from: http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/prescription-drug-abuse
U.S. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health (2013, May 7). Prescription Drug Abuse. Retrieved May 15, 2013, from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/prescriptiondrugabuse.html
1). Taking drugs for longer than medically necessary, asking multiple physicians for drugs, or simply accepting medications for which they are over-prescribed by irresponsible physicians can all shape the pattern of elderly person's prescription drug abuse. Taking prescription drugs with alcohol or drugs that are contraindicated with their medications is another. Drugs with psychoactive properties may be more prescribed amongst the elderly, because it is assumed they are less likely
Usually, both physical and psychological components need to be addressed. Byrd (2001) explains, the function of brain cells (neurons) is affected when a drug is used repeatedly over a long period of time. Each neuron produces and releases chemicals called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters can impact the function of the nerve cell, making it produce and release hormones. "The neurotransmitters that have been associated with addiction include serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine,
The FDA also, amongst others, has recommended that clinical trials used to support advertising claims be approved by the FDA and to institute stiff fines against those found gaily of deceptive tactics. (Turning Medicine Into Snake Oil...) There is little doubt from the research that pharmaceutical companies have to be made more accountable for their products and advertising promises. References Borden Anne. Vioxx Stroke Risk could last for Years. 2007. Retrieved
In the words of one user: "I convinced herself that abusing prescription drugs was safer than abusing heroin, marijuana, and other 'street drugs'...I would never do those." (Meadows, 2001) So long as the drugs are available by prescription, it is easy to think that abusing these drugs is okay, especially in the minds of impressionable teens. Did you know that OxyContin is actually a form of morphine, like heroin, and
Perception of Drug Companies The author of this response has been asked to respond to several questions that pertain to the pharmaceutical industry. In order, those questions will be what practice, factor or event has been most damaging to the public perception of the pharmaceutical industry, what practice, factor or event has been most enhancing of the public perception of the pharmaceutical industry and what would be the most effective day
OTC and Prescription Drugs Curbing the Power of Drugs Everyone knows about the enslaving effects of substance abuse and addiction. By now, everyone knows that addiction is a compulsive physical or psychological to take in more and more of a particular substance despite knowing its harm (Alta Mira 2013). Once the use of an addicting substance is begun and continued, it only takes some time to reach a point when quitting becomes