Prescription Drug Abuse and Iraqi Troops
If you thought prescription drug abuse and addiction was bad in the united States, imagine how bad it is in war-torn parts of the world where prescription painkillers are only as far as the black market and corrupt pharmacies.
Increased Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction in Iraq
According to the New York Times, Iraqi soldiers work in 12-hour shifts patrolling the streets of Baghdad. For some soldiers, the only way to make it through their stressful job is to take a couple prescription painkillers and take the edge off. Says one soldier, “For me, it helps me to get the job done. It makes me happy and high, but I still can control myself.”
Doctors and health professionals say that prescription drug abuse and addiction has increased markedly in Iraq since 2003. Government regulations are lax, government officials are focused on other things and with the high-stress, literally explosive environment, it’s no wonder that Iraqi citizens and soldiers are feeling pulled to prescription painkillers in higher and higher numbers.
Who’s Abusing Prescription Drugs in Iraq?
Like the United States, you’ll find people addicted to prescription drugs in every social circle. From prisons to the police officers and soldiers on patrol to residents of poor neighborhoods to the unemployed across social circles, prescription drug abuse is a problem. However, it is the use of prescription painkillers by police and soldiers that is most alarming. Both are extremely stressful occupations, but with the power they wield and the weaponry besides, prescription painkillers can only make a bad situation worse.
What is the Prescription Drug of Choice Among Soldiers in Iraq?
Artane. A medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease, it offers a euphoric high in large doses. According to the New York Times article, doctors are not allowed to speak publicly about the problem, but one said about the soldiers view of Artane:
“They believe that this Artane allows them to become courageous, to become brave. They take it so that there is no anxiety, no fear, so they can break down doors and enter houses with no shame.”
What is the Evidence That Iraqi Soldiers are Addicted Prescription Drugs?
It’s a hard thing to quantify beyond the admission of anonymous medical professionals and prescription drug users themselves that it is happening. But as far as statistics and scientific research, there is none. There’s nothing beyond anecdotal evidence that discusses how the prescription painkillers directly affect how the soldiers do their jobs. There are also no solid numbers on how widespread is the drug addiction and abuse, which drugs besides Artane are used most often, or how often the soldiers who use prescription drugs are indulging.
One soldier estimates that one of three soldiers in his unit take prescription drugs while on duty. A police offer estimates that about 30 percent of officers he works with do the same. A manager of a local drug addiction program says that prescription drug addiction has now surpassed alcoholism in sheer numbers and scope but says, “after the American invasion of Iraq, alcohol became limited because of the security situation and religious restraints.” Now, he said, “the long duties, the suicide attacks and the killing are all factors that drive the security forces members toward Artane and other drugs.” He also pointed out that prescription drug abuse and addiction is no worse among soldiers and police officers than it is in the rest of the population, albeit slightly more disturbing because of their position of power.
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
Attempts at enforcing prescription drug restrictions are intermittent, but there are some facilities available in the region. Thankfully, if you live in the United States, you have a number of options in prescription drug rehab. If you would like to learn more about the different types of prescription drug addiction treatment available, contact The Canyon.
Tags: prescription drug abuse, Prescription Drug Addiction, prescription drug detox, prescription drug rehab, prescription painkiller addiction
If you like this post subscribe to the feed or subscribe by Email