Prescription Drug Abuse Is Alarming

When you think of drug abuse, the odds are quite good that you think of cocaine or heroin, but a report out of Florida highlights a serious trend in this country.  A look at autopsies in that state found that the rate of deaths caused by prescription drugs was three times the rate of deaths caused by all illegal drugs combined.  According to the Food and Drug Administration, seven million Americans are abusing prescription drugs; an eight percent increase in six years.  Looking at it another way, it's more than the total abuse of heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and inhalants combined.  

We always appreciate your comments. 

For more information, please go to www.123MyMD.com.   

Substance Abuse Linked to Suicide Risk

The latest study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration clearly links substance abuse with suicide.  Their overall numbers are that 32,000 suicides occur in the United States each year, but among people with a substance abuse disorder, 11% had considered suicide compared to 3% for people without such disorders.  This year, there was another important twist in the study.  In the past, the only people asked about suicide were those suffering from depression.  But according to this new report, a wide variety of people with and without depression were asked.  The other high-risk group included people between 18 and 25.  It’s very important when we talk about substance abuse, we understand that there are high-risk groups and groups that really cannot be ignored. 

We always appreciate your comments. 

For more information, please go to www.123MyMD.com.