Drug addiction and the Elderly
Drug Abuse and the Elderly You wouldn’t likely suspect your mother or grandmother of having a drug dependency, yet studies show that addiction among the elderly is climbing. Older generations aren’t abusing illicit drugs like the young. Symptoms of anxiety and sleepless nights are being treated with prescriptions of Xanax, Valium and other benzodiazepines that are meant for short-term management of these conditions. Unfortunately, older patients are taking them daily whether they need them or not-much like pills they take for long-term disorders like high blood pressure-and the abuse is going largely unnoticed. Why? Several reasons, actually. Doctors may be completely unaware or too busy to notice. Others find the task of...
Are you an Addict?
Are You An Addict? Sometimes it isn’t easy to see when we’re looking at ourselves. Denial is common among those who abuse drugs and alcohol and their friends and family may not want to see the problem either. If you think you may be developing a problem with drugs or alcohol, or if you know someone that may be, ask the following questions. Do I use regularly? Or do I use more than other people? Whether it’s several times a day or even just once daily, if you feel that you have to have this drug or drink on a regular basis, you may be dependent. Can I stop using the drug on my own? Have I stopped using drugs or alcohol for extended periods of time in the past several months? Failure to discontinue use on your own...
ADD and ADHD medication abuse
Ritalin Nation: Use, Abuse and Treatment Methylphenidate or Ritalin has grown in popularity over the past four decades. Not only is it the most prescribed drug for treating ADHD and ADD but it is also one of the most popularly abused drugs among adolescents and young adults. In fact it is estimated that 85-90% of prescriptions for Ritalin are for children and adolescents. Adults suffering from obesity, depression, lethargy and narcolepsy are among the fewer recipients who receive Ritalin to treat their disorders, even though Ritalin is not indicated for such use. The widespread availability of Ritalin, particularly in the United States adds to the potential for its abuse. Teenagers and college aged adults abuse the drug for its cocaine-like...
When to seek professional help
When to seek Professional Advice The world of drug and alcohol addiction is a confusing place, and for some reason people think that talking to friends, family members, clergy or even their hair dresser is the best source of information when looking for addiction rehab help. Even if these people have had some sort of addiction experience in the past it does not mean they know what is best for your loved one. There are many different methods of addiction rehab and there is not one that is right for everyone. If you had someone with cancer in your family would you trust these same people to help you make the decision on where to get the best cancer treatment; or would you seek professional help. Of course you would go to a professional and let them guide you...
Prescription Drug Abuse: Legal and Dangerous
Prescription Drug Addiction: Legal and Dangerous Drug abuse of any kind is dangerous and we are well aware of the effects of illicit drug addiction on society as a whole. But what if your drug dealer is your physician? Prescription drug addiction is on the rise but people seem reluctant to talk about it One reason for this may be the fact that the family doctor is the one who prescribed the legal medications. Patients unwittingly believe that their prescription drugs are basically harmless simply because they came from a healthcare professional. Since taking the medicine helps patients feel better, they start using these pills beyond the prescribed limits and without the knowledge or guidance of their doctors. Often what...