Prescription drug addiction is a growing problem in the United States with admissions to emergency rooms due to overdose on prescription drugs outpacing illegal drugs. Prescription drug addiction is often a result of chronic pain or a prescription after surgery or an accident. The person continues to take the opiate pain medication long after the initial event and builds tolerance. As the demand for more drug continues they often resort to doctor shopping, forging prescriptions, or buying drugs on the black market.

Jackson’s Doctor Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter

Dr. Conrad Murray, personal physician to Michael Jackson, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the pop star’s death last summer.

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Journalist Writes about Painkiller Addiction in “Pill Head”

Journalist Joshua Lyon, who was once addicted to prescription medications, tells his story and investigates the phenomenon of online pharmacies in his book, Pill Head: The Secret Life of a Painkiller Addict. Featured on NPR, Lyon’s book chronicles his struggles with prescription painkiller addiction.

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Doctor Shopping

By Colin Gilbert

After surviving a severe car accident two years ago, Sharon underwent a series of surgeries to repair broken bones in her arms and torso. To reduce pain during her long recovery process, her doctor prescribed a moderate dose of the opioid painkiller oxycodone.

The medicine helped Sharon tremendously, but after the prescription expired, she noticed the pain returning. Medical tests showed no further need for surgery, and, because of oxycodone’s notoriety for being addictive, her doctor was hesitant to renew her prescription at the same dose. Instead, he wrote her a prescription for a reduced dose, planning on gradually weaning her off. Unfortunately, the pain did not subside. It seemed to Sharon like only the original dose would end her misery.

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Throw Out Those Expired Medications – They Can Kill You

Medications have expiration dates – just like food. And, just like food, when the medication is past the expiration date, it’s not supposed to be used. To do so may prove not only bad for you, it just might kill you.

About Expiration Dates

The expiration date on medication means that it is safe to use (by the person for whom it was prescribed, and then only taken as prescribed) until the expiration date. This assumes, however, that the medicine is stored under the proper conditions of light, temperature and moisture. If it isn’t stored correctly, in direct sunlight, left in the glove compartment of your car, out in the freezing cold, etc., it will likely be ineffective before the expiration date. … Continue Reading

Pill-Popping Celebs and Their Untimely Deaths

Michael Jackson’s  death and rumors of prescription drug addiction remind of us many other celebrities who have become victims of prescription drug overdose.

Actor Heath Ledger, who gained notoriety for his roles in “Brokeback Mountain” and “The Dark Knight,” died at age 28 of an accidental overdose in January 2008. A New York City medical examiner said Ledger died from the abuse of prescription medications, which included six kinds of painkillers, sleeping pills, and anti-anxiety drugs. Xanax, Valium, and Ambien were found in his apartment.

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Sources Say Michael Jackson was Addicted to Painkillers

Since the King of Pop died unexpectedly last week, rumors have been circulating about the cause of death. When TMZ.com broke the news that Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest at the age of 50, many people assumed he had an unknown heart condition or that he had been wearing himself down while preparing for this summer’s string of concerts. However, medical experts speculate that Jackson died of an overdose of prescription medication as he was reportedly given an injection of Demerol, a strong painkiller, one hour before his death.

Now reports of Jackson’s prescription drug abuse are flooding the media. His former video producer said the pop star had been addicted to Demerol and other narcotic painkillers like OxyContin for more than 20 years. Marc Schaffel, who was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in Jackson’s 2005 child molestation trial, said that close associates of Jackson tried to stage an intervention regarding his addiction in 2003, but that it was derailed due to a world tour.

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You Caught Your Teen Stealing Your Prescription Drugs – Now What?

Often it happens by accident. You’re cleaning up the trail of debris left by your teenaged son or daughter and baggies or plastic-wrapped packages of pills fall out of coats, jackets, jeans, purses, etc. Maybe you’re dusting their bedroom, putting away fresh laundry, or rearranging photos or other items in the room. What you discover turns your stomach to lead. Those brightly colored pills look vaguely familiar. With trembling hands, you carry the pills to your medicine cabinet and compare them with what’s there. They may be your prescription medications. … Continue Reading

Pain Medication and the Elderly

By Jill Gonzalez

As people age, they generally develop a variety of medical problems that require the regular use of medication (prescription and over the counter). Unfortunately, there are a number of risks associated with the use of multiple medications, particularly over an extended period of time.

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Edie Falco on Addiction and “Nurse Jackie”

Fans of HBO’s The Sopranos are likely eagerly awaiting Edie Falco’s next role as the star of the new Showtime feature Nurse Jackie, which premieres Monday June 8th. While fans might know that Falco’s character is a veteran nurse with a bad back and an addiction to pain medication, they might not know that Falco herself has struggled with addiction, giving her special insight into the character.

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Talk to Your Teen about the Dangers of Prescription Drugs

While street drug use among teens is on the decline, they’re still getting high with prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs. Prescription drugs teens are taking include opioids or painkillers, stimulants such as ADHD medications, and depressants. As parents, you are the first, and best, defense against this growing problem. … Continue Reading