The Rise in Prescription Drug Addictions

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Prescription drug abuse and addiction has drastically increased over the past decade. Whether children are getting into their parent’s supply and taking them without their knowledge, or elderly individuals are becoming too dependent on painkillers; this seemingly growing epidemic is becoming more prevalent. There are a number of different reasons that prescription drug abuse is on the rise, below is a list of some of the more obvious and important factors pertaining to this problem.

Doctors Over Prescribing Medication

One of the largest issues regarding the rise in prescription drug abuse is the fact that doctors are seemingly over prescribing these medications, particularly painkillers. Individuals go in complaining about pain, and due to the fact it is a subjective feeling that the doctor cannot deny that the patient is feeling, they are prescribed something to help neutralize the pain; whether it exists or not.

Easy to Obtain

Another factor pertaining to the heavy use and abuse of prescription drugs is the fact they are so easy to come by. An addict can easily log online to locate an overseas resource that sells specific prescription drugs they might be looking for. Additionally, more times than not, elderly individuals have a prescription for painkillers in one form or another, and can easily provide them to family members who appear to need them but are really feeding an addiction.

Bad Economic Factors

Last but not least, economic factors play a heavy role in the increase of prescription drug abuse. This concept revolves more so around individuals with prescription drug access, actually dealing their supply to make a little money on the side.

Prescriptions to Fight Obesity Complications

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Obesity continues to be a problem in the United States as portion sizes continue to grow, and Americans continue to make unhealthy food choices. Growing right along with the obesity epidemic are problems related to obesity. There’s no pill you can take to make you lose weight, but doctors are able to use medication to help control the complications of obesity.

Cholesterol
There’s good cholesterol and bad cholesterol in your body. Obesity tends to promote bad cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease. Doctors can prescribe medications to help you manage your cholesterol levels, which can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. There are side effects to taking cholesterol medications, such as an upset stomach, constipation, dizziness, and anemia.

Blood pressure
Allowing your blood pressure to go unmanaged can put you at risk for heart disease and stroke if your numbers are too high. Your doctor may first want you to try to control high blood pressure through diet. If that doesn’t work, medications called antihypertensives can help. There are 11 different classes of blood pressure medications: ACE inhibitors, alpha-blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, blood vessel dilators (vasodilators), calcium channel blockers, central agonists, combined alpha and beta-blockers, diuretics, peripheral adrenergic inhibitors, and sympathetic nerve inhibitors. Each class carries its own set of side effects.

Diabetes
The main cause of Type 2 diabetes is obesity. Unless patients make a lifestyle change, diabetes can cause serious problems with almost every aspect of your health. Insulin prescribed to help manage diabetes comes in three types: injections, pumps, or injectors. There are also oral medications that your doctor may choose to prescribe. The most common side effects of diabetes medications include nausea and an upset stomach.

When tackling problems related to obesity, prescription drugs effects are noticed within a few months. If side effects are bothersome, ask your doctor if a different medication might be better.

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