Is the anti-anxiety drug a quick fix or a drain on resources? Some doctors are stopping prescriptions altogether to wean patients off the popular medication.

In recent years, doctors have seen a steady stream of patients seeking Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug prized for its swift calming effect. The clamor for the drug, and concern over the striking number of overdoses involving Xanax and the growing problem of prescription addiction, are leading some doctors to take the unusual step of limiting or stopping Xanax prescriptions altogether.

The drug, and its generic version, alprazolam, has steadily risen in popularity. While it has helped in some cases when used as prescribed, the widespread use of Xanax has also led to widespread prescription abuse for more than a decade. Those concerned about prescription addiction have focused largely on narcotic painkiller addiction, but benzodiazepines, the class of sedatives that includes Xanax, are also widely misused or abused, often with very negative consequences.

Alprazolam was the eighth most prescribed drug in the nation last year, according to SDI, a data firm that tracks drug sales. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year reported an 89 percent increase in emergency room nationwide related to nonmedical benzodiazepine use between 2004 and 2008.

In hopes of helping to limit the damage, some state- and federally-funded healthcare providers are cutting off prescriptions for controlled substances. Not everyone is on board, though. Other doctors say that refusing to prescribe certain drugs under any circumstance is overly rigid, noting that Xanax helps many people who use it responsibly.

Xanax Rehab

If you or someone you love is in need of Xanax rehab, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.

Over the counter drugs (OTC drugs) are often heavily abused – especially by teenagers – and often used in the creation of other more lethal drugs, like crystal meth. Though OTC abuse and addiction are serious problems in the United States, the latest research says that a relatively small percentage of those seeking treatment for any drug and alcohol addiction in the United States were seeking that help for OTC addiction only.

In fact, researchers commissioned by the Department of Health from the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse found that just over 32,500 patients sought treatment in 2009 and 2010 for addiction help that included OTC drugs and that only 11 percent of those reported that their addiction issues were solely related to OTC medications – only about 3700 patients.

Meanwhile, addiction to prescription drugs like OxyContin, Percocet, Lorcet, and other painkillers as well as anti-anxiety medications like Valium and Xanax are on the rise.

Common OTC Drugs of Addiction

In recent years, many states have begun to better regulate the sale of certain medications containing specific drugs of abuse.

• Dextromethorphan (DXM). DXM is commonly found in strong OTC cough syrups. Between 1999 and 2004, the number of poisonings and overdoses related to the drug increased seven times over. The majority of patients reported experiencing DXM overdose and poisoning? Teens aged 15 and 16.
• Pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is found in a number of OTC cold medications – all of which are now kept behind the pharmacy counter at drugstores and grocery stores. This OTC medication is often used in the making of crystal meth and is regularly abused by teens in its pill form for a stimulant high.
• Diet pill and laxative abuse. These two OTC medication are most often abused by teen girls in the interest of losing weight. Laxatives are used in large amounts to quickly get rid of excess food eaten before the body has a chance to process the calories while diet pills are taken in place of food to maintain energy without eating.
• Sexual Performance Enhancing Medications. These drugs are available over the counter and online and many teens take them in large amounts together with alcohol in order to enhance sexual pleasure. In large amounts, these drugs can cause heart problems in the short-term and in the long-term with continued abuse.

OTC Addiction Treatment

Drug addiction treatment can help those who are living with an active addiction to over the counter medications. Contact us today at The Canyon to learn more about our drug rehab programs and get started building a life for yourself without drug and alcohol abuse and addiction.

Corey Haim is another sad casualty in the world of drug abuse. The former child movie star of the 1980′s died early this morning. There was no official report of the cause of death, but it is speculated to be related to his extensive drug use history.

Corey Haim Started Drug Addiction To Deal With Emotional Pain

Corey has told his story to many media sources over the years. His drug use reportedly started in his teen years after he was sexually abused by a man. Corey smoked marijuana as he filmed one of his big movie hits of the 1980′s, and before long he was using alcohol and other drugs.

Corey reportedly went to drug rehab several times and even suffered a stroke. Doctors were astounded at the high levels of various drugs he was taking. His daily valium use alone was up to 85 pills. It seems almost a miracle that he survived through that period of his life.

In the mid 2000′s, he seemed to be staging a comeback in Hollywood. He was involved in several movies and was in a reality show with Corey Feldmen. The show apparently came to a close because Corey Haim continued to use drugs.

Corey Haim Attempts Drug Rehab Several Times

Corey seemed to make good faith efforts to get and stay sober, going to drug rehab and drug treatment programs numerous times. However, it looks like the long term damage may have finally caught up with him. Even if his death was not directly caused by a drug overdose, it is certainly possible that it was somehow linked to his drug use history.

It may be some time before we all know the final verdict on Corey Haim’s death. Drug addiction can be so powerful and so destructive. It’s like a time bomb waiting to go off. Even when someone gains sobriety for a period of time, they can’t get lax for even a day. As Corey indicated, he started using just one or two valiums at first. Then it turned into four, five, six, and finally in the dozens of pills a day.

Reminder That Drug Addiction Can Kill

Corey Haim’s struggle with drug addiction is a definite sign of caution to anyone abusing any form of drug or alcohol. It can catch up to you slowly unless you stop it in it’s tracks by going to drug rehab. Even that is no guarantee of sobriety. If you are abusing drugs in any way, stop and look at your life. Take a moment to consider how drug treatment can keep you from having a tragic ending like Corey Haim.

A couple months ago, we talked about the problem with prescription drug abuse and addiction in Iraq, not just among those who have lost their jobs and loved ones in the war, but also those entrusted to protect the people and restore order to the region: police officers and soldiers on patrol.

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in Iraq

To be fair, though some estimate that 30 percent or 1/3 of those in the police force and armed forces take prescription drugs in order to heal after injury, there are measures in place that are attempting to fix the problem.

Dr. Haidari works for the Health Ministry in Iraq. He says that a number of factors should be taken into consideration:

* A campaign is underway to close pharmacies that are illegally dispensing and selling prescription drugs.

* The prescription drug problem among Iraqi soldiers and police is no worse than the prescription drug abuse and addiction among the rest of the population.

* The ministry is opening more prescription drug addiction treatment centers, though right now there is only one hospital in Iraq with a drug and alcohol abuse treatment ward.

Denial Ain’t Just in Egypt

Of course, not surprisingly, if you ask some people in power in Iraq about the problem among police officers and soldiers who are living with prescription drug abuse and addiction, they’ll just say that it doesn’t exist.

General Ahmed al-Khafaji is an official at Interior Ministry concerned with police affairs. He says there is no significant issue with prescription drug abuse in the army: “We don’t accept any kind of addiction within the security forces or our troops from the police.” Those who abuse drugs, he says, are “dismissed from our ministry forever.”

Hiding Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction

Despite Gen. al-Khafaji’s assertion that one shouldn’t judge on a “few” cases, it’s a well known fact within and without the ranks that there is a serious issue with prescription drug abuse in the Iraqi army. Officers know about it, but soldiers don’t take pills right in front of an officer. Or talk about them, either. A number of slang terms exist for soldiers to talk about taking prescription drugs, buying them, locating them, et cetera.

A local pharmacist says that though he’s been arrested three times for dispensing prescription drugs illegally, he has avoided prosecution with bribes. He says, “I don’t deal with strangers unless they come through my known network. I have some people who distribute the drugs, and they are well-trusted people. I have other customers who take large amounts of drugs, and they come in from time to time or I deliver it to them in specific locations.”

The Stigma Against Prescription Drug Rehab

Just like in the United States, many who struggle with prescription drug addiction want to avoid the negative stigma attached and negative repercussions for their issues with prescription drugs and opt out of prescription drug rehab. The nature of prescription drug addiction is such that many in America start taking them medically and ultimately find themselves with an addiction issue that they never asked for.

If you are struggling with prescription drug addiction, you can keep your prescription drug addiction treatment anonymous. Contact The Canyon for more information.

Prescription drug addiction is a rising concern across the country, and with a new administration in the White House, some are hoping that the new administration will mean new changes in healthcare legislation concerning drug prescription and prescription painkiller treatment.

One of these people is a member of Advocates for Opioid Prescription Reform, Steven L. Hayes. He says, “Our group is composed of determined individuals from all walks of life who have become aware of the problem. We are convinced that when people understand this problem it will not be allowed to continue.”

The Power of the Written Word

Another proponent of prescription drug reform is Dr. Kirk Van Rooyan, a plastic surgeon. Having lost his stepson to one dose of OxyContin, Van Rooyan is hyper aware of the problems surrounding prescription drug addiction and abuse. With a letter, he hopes to help other families avoid the trauma that his own family suffered. An awareness letter meant to raise understanding and visibility surrounding the problem, Van Rooyan’s hope that the addressee will be inspired by the information to make changes. The addressee is Dr. Joshua Sharfstein is currently the Baltimore Health Commissioner but is a frontrunner for the appointment to head the FDA.

Rise in Prescription Opiate Marketing Parallels Rise in Opiate Overdose

The crux of Van Rooyan’s letter to Sharfstein is the fact that the rise in marketing for prescription opiates has paralleled the rise in prescriptions for opiate painkillers which in turn has caused a rise in deaths due to opiate overdose. He points out that the problem is obvious and harmful, that no attempts have been made by the FDA to do anything constructive about the problem or support those who are making good faith efforts to change how opiates are marketed or prescribed.

Says Van Rooyan in his letter: “As a group sharing the bond of the loss–to addiction or death from opioids–of a family member or loved one, it is our sincere hope that the Obama Administration, particularly those agencies most involved in drug and public health issues and safety, will respond to the challenge posed by the prescription opioid crisis, bringing to bear its already demonstrated passion, innovation, and competence.”

The Power of Opiate Detox and Opiate Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you love is addicted to their opiate painkiller prescription—drugs that include Vicodin, OxyContin, Lortab, Percocet, Percodan, Lorcet, Fentanyl, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and others—opiate detox and opiate addiction treatment can help. The Canyon offers a comprehensive opiate rehab that is holistic in nature, addressing the physical and psychological effects of opiate addiction. Contact The Canyon today for more information.

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.

There’s an ongoing issue that has plaguing pharmacists, doctors and patients alike: the problem of monitoring drug prescriptions for safety. In most places, making sure that patients are not abusing prescriptions, that doctors are not over-prescribing medications and that pharmacists are not incorrectly filling prescriptions or allowing a patient to walk away with conflicting prescriptions from different doctors is a problem that goes unchecked. But slowly, that has started to change.

Problems with Drug Prescription

There are a number of problems that could occur with prescription drugs. If you are prescribed more than one drug and especially if you get prescriptions from more than one doctor, a specialist or an emergency room doctor, for example, as well as a primary care physician, then there is a risk that the medications will interact negatively.

Another issue is when people have a prescription for an opiate painkiller to which they are addicted and try to supplement that prescription with more of the same or equivalent opiates by going through another doctor and pharmacist. Without monitoring, you could take a deadly overdose of opiate prescription drugs.

A New Prescription Drug Monitoring System in Vermont

According to the Burlington Free Press, the new Vermont Prescription Drug Monitoring System is the state’s latest way of tackling this nationwide problem. It is the 38th state to enact this kind of legislature and monitoring. Specifically, the new prescription drug monitoring system tracks the prescription and dispersion of controlled substances like opiate painkillers. Why these? Because though you may mix other drugs with a harmful result, the problem of abuse of prescriptions to sell to others or to feed a personal addiction is so dangerous and rampant a practice that it was the necessary first step in prescription drug monitoring.

How Prescription Drug Monitoring Works

Well, the Vermont Department of Health has come up with a prescription drug monitoring system that, according to Burlington Free Press, “collects a standard set of information on each prescription of a controlled substance.” Of course, a controlled substance is any prescription regulated by the government, like Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet and Percodan, Lortab and Lorcet, Fentanyl, et cetera. With the information, they create a database that doctors and pharmacists can access statewide so that those who are abusing their prescriptions can be easily identified.

How It’s Working So Far

So far, so good. Every seven days, pharmacies in Vermont are required to upload all their data on controlled prescriptions and since the middle of January, there have been about 350,000 records uploaded to the system.

Is there a system like this in your state? Have you been affected by it in any way? Do you think it will work?