Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are state-run programs designed to curb prescription drug abuse. The programs primarily focus on collecting data from pharmacies about prescriptions of controlled substances, tracking prescriptions received and dispensed. As of the last report by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) at the U.S. Department of Justice, 49 of the 50 states in the country currently have operational PDMPs.
The agencies involved in operating the PDMPs vary by state, but typically include departments of health, state boards of pharmacy, substance abuse agencies, consumer protection agencies and other agencies deemed relevant to the cause by state government officials. Law enforcement agencies also play a key role in most PDMPs. PDMPs were implemented by the federal government in 2010 and six years later, there are still many inconsistencies and communication breakdowns within these programs that keep them from operating as efficiently as they could.
Other Steps by Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies in different states have also implemented programs of their own in an effort to curb prescription drug abuse. Prescription drug take-back locations established by many local agencies, have shown effective in reducing prescription drug abuse in those areas. Other efforts include addressing the addiction problem directly by making treatment available and affordable, rather than simple incarcerating drug offenders. Moving offenders back into society after providing proper treatment for their addictions has been shown to be a positive step in the lives of the users and those they touch.
PDMPs can corroborate with local law enforcement by providing them with pertinent reports that make it easier for them to track prescription drug use and abuse in their communities. Some of the reports deemed to be most helpful by the BJA include:
When law enforcement works in tandem with the medical community to curb prescription drug abuse, the results tend to be more positive overall. The complexities of the drug abuse problem require it to be addressed from many different angles, using a variety of professionals that may encounter drug abusers every single day. Still, the process is lacking in many ways, often due to insufficient tracking of drug data or lack of real-time access to much-needed information.
While law enforcement continues to work with other agencies to combat drug abuse, treatment facilities are working daily to help individuals overcome their addictions to prescription drugs and other substances. A prescription drug dependency is a serious disorder that usually requires professional treatment to address properly. To learn more about overcoming prescription drug addiction, contact Pasadena Recovery Center today at 866-663-3030.
]]>Last year, USA Today reported that only around 12 percent of Americans supported marijuana legalization in 1969. Today, more than half support legalization and many states have now moved forward with making legalization a reality, despite the fact that the substance remains banned at the federal level. Now, four states and the District of Columbia have legalized pot for recreational use, while the substance is legal for “medical” purposes in 23 states and the District of Columbia.
“Attitudes toward marijuana, both medical and recreational, have changed a great deal in the last several years, and this new study sounds a note of caution about underappreciated risks linking marijuana use to subsequent development of drug abuse and dependence,” Carlos Blanco, MD, PhD, National Institute on Drug Abuse and a researcher on the study, told Medscape Medical News.
The study, which was published online in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, looked at how marijuana use affected the risk of both substance abuse disorders and mental health disorders. Researchers studied a sampling of 34,653 adults in the U.S., which was fairly evenly split between men and women. All of the survey subjects were participating in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions and were interviewed in the first wave between 2001 and 2002 and the second wave three years later.
The study found that cannabis use did impact the rate of several types of substance abuse disorders. In fact, two-thirds of the study subjects developed a substance abuse disorder within that three-year timeframe. While the study did not show a causal relationship between marijuana use and a substance abuse disorder, researchers advised that the link between the two should be sufficient for impacting “clinical care and policy planning.”
The odds ratio for marijuana users to develop nicotine dependence was 1.7, according to this study. Other studies have shown that abuse of other substances was higher for teens that used nicotine products, increasing the dangers of developing a nicotine dependence. Tobacco also causes more deaths annually than all other substance abuse combined. There is no doubt that despite the knowledge we have today about the dangers of nicotine, it continues to be widely used among all ages and demographics in this country.
Another concern that has grown exponentially in recent years is the use of e-cigarettes, particularly among the youth of this country. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, teens are twice as likely to smoke e-cigarettes and cigarettes. Cannabis use may play into these statistics, as nearly six percent of teens that use e-cigarettes said they are using them to smoke marijuana.
According to this study, the odds ratio of developing an alcohol use disorder after smoking pot was 2.7. This is not the only recent study that has shown a significant association between pot and alcohol use, either. A new study published this month in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that marijuana users may be five times more likely to develop a problem with alcohol. This study included more than 27,000 adults, none of which had a problem with alcohol when they began using marijuana.
The odds ratio for developing a drug abuse disorder using a substance other than marijuana in this study was 2.6. Drugs might include both illicit drugs like heroin and prescription drugs like opioids. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that abuse of illicit drugs costs the U.S. around $193 billion annually. The agency also found that around nine million men and women in the U.S. reported a problem with prescription drug abuse in the past year, with more women likely to abuse those drugs than men.
In addition to the increased risk of substance abuse disorders, regular marijuana use has a number of negative effects on the mind and body. Short-term effects of marijuana may include:
The long-term effects of marijuana are not fully understood at this time, but it appears they can be even more damaging than first thought. Those effects might include:
There is also evidence to suggest heavy marijuana use could lead to dependency on the substance. Now, studies are indicating the use of marijuana could also lead to dependency on other substances as well.
Marijuana sold today is much more potent than what was used decades ago. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, can also be extracted from the plant, a process known as dabbing. Dabbing is a dangerous practice, particularly for first-time pot users, offering at least four times the strength of a traditional joint. Overdoses are possible with these substances, and emergency rooms across the country have seen patients that have suffered dangerous consequences of these substances.
In addition, synthetic forms of marijuana like Spice and K2 have hit the market, exposing users to additional hazards. These substances are completely unregulated, although they can be purchased in convenience stores and online. This means there is no way to know exactly what is in the drug, or just how potent the drug really might be, leaving users vulnerable to unpredictable and sometimes life-threatening effects.
If you are struggling with marijuana abuse, now is the time to get help. At Pasadena Recovery Center, we can help you get the treatment you need to overcome your addiction and find new life in sobriety. Call us today at 866-663-3030.
]]>Prescription painkillers are some of the most widely abused substances today. Examples of commonly abused opioids include:
Some attribute their increased use to the fact that physicians are prescribing these drugs more frequently to treat both acute and chronic pain. The drugs are highly addictive, even when they are taken as prescribed. People that get hooked may continue to take the drug for non-medical purposes. If the prescription drugs become too difficult to get on the street, users may turn to street drugs like heroin to take their place.
When properly prescribed, some stimulants can help those with attention deficit disorder focus better to complete tasks. Common stimulants include:
The effects of these drugs, including increased alertness and energy, have made them popular drugs of abuse as well. A common choice among students, these drugs are called study drugs because they are frequently used to keep people awake and alert while cramming for examinations. In addition to the “high” users get when they take them, these drugs may cause dangerously accelerated heart rate and breathing, particularly when they are combined with other stimulants.
This class of drugs is commonly prescribed for those that struggle with anxiety or sleep disorders. The common drugs in this category include:
These drugs cause feelings of drowsiness, lowered inhibitions and overall feelings of wellbeing. However, the drugs are also extremely addictive and very dangerous, especially when taken with other types of sedatives and alcohol. Long-term use can lead to paranoia, irritability and suicidal thoughts.
Prescription drugs have the misconception of safety, due to the fact that they are prescribed by physicians. However, when these drugs are taken for purposes outside of their medicinal use, they can be just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than illicit drugs sold on the street. These drugs have all the features of addictive substances including needing more of the drug over time to get the same effects (tolerance), strong cravings for the drug and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped.
If you are struggling with a prescription drug addiction, you are not alone and help is available. Contact the professional team at Pasadena Recovery Center today at 866-663-3030.
]]>This statement is often backed up by misleading statistics showing more costs of alcohol abuse to society than costs of marijuana use. However, alcohol is legal and widely available in all 50 states, which explains why there is a greater societal cost of alcohol abuse. If marijuana continues on its legalization track, it is very probably we would see increased consequences and cost from marijuana use as well.
Actually, marijuana contains many of the same harmful chemicals found in cigarettes, including tar and carbon monoxide. In fact, marijuana users consume higher levels of these chemicals than cigarette smokers, increasing their risks for lung damage and some types of cancers. In addition, researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that smoking marijuana can significantly damage the respiratory system at a fairly young age and that 3-4 joints can do as much damage as up to 20 cigarettes.
It is true that marijuana may not be as physically addictive as other drugs. However, the drug does meet the following criteria for dependence outlined by the American Psychiatric Association:
The risk for marijuana addiction increases when the drug is started at a younger age. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, one in six teens that uses marijuana will become dependent on the drug.
Deaths from a marijuana overdose are extremely rare. However, that doesn’t mean no one has ever died as a result of marijuana use. Marijuana impacts your judgment and reaction time, which can lead to dangers especially behind the wheel of a vehicle. Marijuana may also lead to risky sexual behavior with potentially deadly consequences. Long-term marijuana smoking can lead to diseases similar to those seen in smokers, which can be deadly in some cases.
As legalization of “medical” marijuana continues to increase, this myth becomes more prevalent and widespread. However, the facts indicate marijuana is not widely accepted as having medicinal benefits by experts in public health. Most doctors will not “prescribe” medical marijuana due to the health risks of smoking the drug. The FDA also has not approved marijuana for medicinal use, which means the drug does not receive any type of oversight or regulation by the federal government before it gets into the hands of patients.
The staff at Pasadena Recovery Center have seen firsthand the devastating impacts these myths have had on marijuana users. If you are struggling with marijuana abuse, contact us today at 866-663-3030 to get the help you need.
]]>The study, which was supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that nearly one-third of all adults in the U.S. met AUD criteria at some point in their lives. Only around 20 percent of those adults ever seek treatment for their disorder. Researchers also found that adults were drinking more intensely, consuming five to ten drinks in a single sitting at times.
The study also found that nearly 14 percent, or 32.6 million people, met the AUD criteria within the past 12 months. Just 7.7 percent of those adults sought professional treatment. Rates were higher for men than women and showed whites and Native Americans were at the highest risk for an AUD. The study also found that adults with an AUD were also more likely to suffer from a mental illness like depression, bipolar disorder or personality disorders.
The criteria used to classify an AUD included the following:
The study used the most recent criteria from the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” put out by the American Psychiatric Association. This criteria now combines alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into a single diagnosis, with sublevels of severity ranging from mild to severe. In the past, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence were considered two separate diagnoses.
Researchers in this study conducted more than 36,000 interviews with U.S. adults to collect their data. This study was part of a larger study conducted on drug and alcohol use, the 2012-13 National Epidemiology Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.
“These finding underscore that alcohol problems are deeply entrenched and significantly undertreated in our society,” George F. Koob, director of the NIAAA, stated on the NIH website. “The new data should provide further impetus for scientists, clinicians and policy makers to bring AUD treatment into the mainstream of medical practice.”
This study highlights once again the problem of alcohol consumption in our country. It is concerning that a significant percentage of adults that met the criteria for an AUD were between the ages of 18 and 29. It is also troubling that only one in five people with an AUD ever seek treatment for their disorder, leaving them vulnerable to the physical, mental and emotional consequences of long-term alcohol abuse.
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, Pasadena Recovery Center can help. Our programs are designed to help you move past your dependency to a healthier, more fulfilling life of sobriety. To get the help you need today, contact Pasadena Recovery Center at 866-663-3030.
]]>Despite the spread of legalization across the country, marijuana continues to be classified as a schedule 1 drug by the FDA. This puts marijuana in the same category as other drugs having a high potential for abuse and no accepted safety for use. Schedule 1 drugs also have no currently accepted medicinal use, despite proponent’s claims to the contrary.
Studies have shown long-term marijuana use can lead to brain, heart and lung damage. It is particularly dangerous for younger users, with the potential to disrupt proper brain function and even permanently lower IQ. While the drug is not considered as addictive as other illicit substances, higher concentrations of THC is today’s pot could change that.
Unlike prescription drugs on the market, marijuana is not subject to any type of FDA regulations and control. This leaves users at the mercy of marijuana retailers who sell the substance without full disclosure of THC concentrations or other substances that might be found in the mix.
Currently, there are FDA-approved drugs on the market that contain the ingredients in marijuana proven to help with pain and nausea. Patients requiring opiates for pain take FDA-approved opioids for this purpose. They do not smoke opium to receive the benefits. The same could apply to the ingredients found in marijuana.
Although proponents assert that medical marijuana would be restricted to those that have a medical need, past history proves that in-demand drugs offered by prescription only can find their way into the wrong hands via the black market. This has been true of both prescription opioids and drugs used to treat some types of mental and behavioral disorders, such as Adderall.
Just last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics noted that making marijuana available to adults could increase accessibility to teens and children. The AAP also opposes the use of medicinal marijuana in children, stating there have not been studies performed at this time to show the drug has any benefit that would outweigh the risks of allowing younger patients to use the drug.
By legalizing marijuana for “medicinal purposes,” legislators are giving the impression that marijuana is a relatively safe substance that offers benefits to some patients. However, marijuana has not been proven to be safe for use and in fact, studies have shown the harm of using the drug, especially over a prolonged period. Opponents of medical marijuana fear that message could easily get lost in the abundance of marijuana dispensaries and “patients” touting the drug’s benefits, leading more people to try using the substance.
At Pasadena Recovery Center, we are opposed to legalizing marijuana for any purpose, because we have seen firsthand the damage this dangerous drug can cause. If you are struggling with marijuana use, contact our staff today to get the help you need at 866-663-3030.
]]>Some New Year’s Eve celebrations may be easier to handle than others. Try to find a party or gathering where alcohol will not be the central focus. This usually means avoiding get-togethers at bars or those labeled as “cocktail parties.”
If you can’t check ahead to find out if non-alcoholic beverages will be served, simply bring along your own favorite soft drink. Keep your cup in your hand at all times to avoid the temptation of grabbing an alcohol-filled glass. This will also prevent some funny guy at the party from spiking your drink when you are not looking.
While it may seem everyone you know is getting plastered during the biggest party night of the year, there are bound to be a few that do not see drunkenness as the way to a fun New Year’s Eve. Find those friends and stick with them for the night. Even better, hit or host a party with others in recovery, where you know alcohol will not be a temptation.
While many New Year’s Eve festivities do involve alcohol, others do not for practical reasons. Find an activity where alcohol won’t be served, such as ice skating or a holiday movie. Host a game night and serve a variety of fun, alcohol-free beverages as well as a few enticing snacks.
No one is going to understand the New Year’s Eve struggle as much as your sponsor or others working through recovery with you. Keep those phone numbers with you at all times, so you can place a quick call if the situation gets desperate. There are also apps you can place on your phone that can give you the discreet encouragement you need when the situation becomes too challenging.
In some cases, your safest plan may be an escape plan that gets you out of the tempting situation and back to an environment where sobriety comes easier. Before you leave you house to attend any function, put an escape plan in your mind so you can get out of the situation quickly if challenges arise.
What happens if you do break and have a drink on New Year’s Eve? Forgive yourself for your slip and don’t let that slip turn into a full-fledged relapse. If you make it through the night without so much as a sip of champagne, plan a reward for yourself like a New Year’s Day shopping spree or brunch at your favorite restaurant.
New Year’s Eve is a tough time for those in recovery, whether you are new to your recovery process or you have enjoyed many years of sobriety. To get additional help making it through the holiday season, contact Pasadena Recovery Center at 866-663-3030.
]]>A family history of drug or alcohol abuse is a strong risk factor for dependency in the generations to follow. In fact, people with alcohol dependency are six times more likely to have family members with the same disorder.
Males are more likely than females to develop a substance dependency, although females tend to become addicted more quickly than males when they do develop a disorder. The younger a person is when they begin using a substance, the more likely they will develop a dependency problem as well.
People that are around drugs and alcohol at home or in their community are often more likely to use themselves. This may be due to the fact that substance use and abuse is normalized in these situations. In addition, a stressful home or work environment can contribute to substance abuse, which may lead to dependency over time.
The incidence of mental illness and a substance abuse disorder is very high. Known as a dual diagnosis, a person dealing with both of these conditions will benefit from finding treatment that will address the mental illness and the dependency problem simultaneously.
Accidents, natural disasters, and physical and sexual abuse can all lead to substance dependency. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network estimates that one in four children will experience a traumatic event prior to turning 16, necessitating effective treatment options that will lessen the likelihood the victim will turn to substances as a way to cope.
Some substances, and the methods by which they are commonly taken, can increase the risk for addiction. For example, drugs that are injected or smoked tend to produce the most powerful “highs,” which can increase cravings for the drug soon after the effects wear off. Also, drugs like heroin and methamphetamine are highly addictive by nature, increasing the odds of dependency even after just one use.
While these risk factors may increase the likelihood of an addiction, there are many people with one or more of these factors that never develop a substance dependency. At the same time, people without risk factors may still be vulnerable to substance abuse at some point during their lives. If you are struggling with substance abuse, help is available. Contact Pasadena Recovery Center today at 866-663-3030.
]]>Stress Levels Hit Yearly Highs
Stress can be at a yearly high during the holidays, as the regular to-do list is loaded up with additional tasks like baking, shopping and wrapping. The stress of the season can be a trigger for substance use, exacerbating an abuse issue that already exists.
Family Conflicts Erupt
Family comes together during the holidays to swap stories and share memories over food-laden tables. This is also the time when conflicts and rivalries tend to shed their ugly heads, which can lead to more urges to drink and use during those family gatherings.
More Celebrating Means More Consumption
As the list of holiday festivities grows, so does the opportunity for drinking and using. It can be more difficult to stand up to temptations this time of year, which can escalate substance abuse disorders.
Loneliness is a Byproduct of Busy Holidays
For some, the busy party season is a painful reminder that family and friends do not live nearby. Loneliness is an unfortunate byproduct of the festive season for some, which can lead to excessive substance use.
DUIs and Overdoses Increase this Time of Year
Statistics show that DUIs and overdoses tend to go on the rise this time of year. Getting a loved one safely into treatment prior to this season ensures their safety throughout the holidays.
Easier to Get Time Off Work
The holiday season is often a time when work and school responsibilities tend to wane. Not only is it easier to take time off during this time of year, few will question the vacation time requested during the busy holiday season.
Insurance Deductibles are Often Met
By the end of the year, insurance deductibles are typically met. This means that if you begin your addiction treatment at this time, you will have full coverage for your treatment.
The gift of sobriety is truly the greatest gift you can give to someone you love. If you have a loved one struggling with substance addiction, now may be the right time to seek treatment. To learn more, contact Pasadena Recovery Center at 866-663-3030.
]]>CDC Finds Increases in Use across the Board
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that heroin use is on the rise among every age group and income level. The agency attributes this increase, at least in part, to the increase in prescription opioid addiction that has become apparent in recent years. As physicians became more liberal in their prescription of opioids like Vicodin and OxyContin to treat both acute and chronic pain, the number of people becoming addicted to the drugs also went up proportionately.
Heroin Use and Prescription Narcotics
Specifically, the CDC found that around 45 percent of heroin addicts were also addicted to prescription painkillers between 2011 and 2013. That number marks a rate more than double the addiction rates recorded between 2002 and 2004. CDC Director Tom Frieden told CBS News that prescription drug abuse is the “strongest risk factor for heroin abuse or dependence.” The CDC report noted that people addicted to prescription narcotics were 40 times more likely to abuse heroin.
Explaining Demographic Changes
This trend explains the demographic changes also seen in heroin abuse. Since women and upper-income individuals are often the ones seeking pain relief from their physicians, they are also the ones most likely to become addicted to the substances. Because it can become difficult and expensive to maintain a prescription drug addiction, users often turn to buying heroin on the street because it is cheaper and more readily available.
The Dangers of Heroin for Women
Heroin is a dangerous drug for anyone, but it can be particularly risky for women for a variety of reasons. First, women are more likely to be introduced to heroin by a sexual partner, which increases their risk of contracting HIV. Women also feel more social pressure to use than men, which makes it more likely they will try the drug at some point in their lives.
Heroin is a potently addictive and often deadly drug that can hook people even after the first use. Breaking free from a heroin addiction usually requires professional treatment and recovery support, but it can be done. To get help for your addiction today, contact Pasadena Recovery Center at 866-663-3030.