China Fights Drug Addiction by Arresting 12,000+
Recently, China’s Ministry of Public Security arrested about 12,125 people as a part of a countrywide initiative to break up the Internet drug rings that provide the country with a large portion of its illegal drugs.
Early this year, Chinese authorities discovered that a large number of people in northwest China were getting their drugs through an online chat room. A full blown investigation ensued and in September, the suspects were arrested on charges of illegally buying and selling drugs online. In total, more than 144 groups involved in the production of drugs and their trafficking, dismantled 22 drug sites, and seized more than 308 kilograms of different illegal drugs. Of the 12,000+ arrestees, about 66 percent were under the age of 35. The youngest was 14, but less than 3 percent were under 18.
Here in the United States, illegal drugs often make it into the country via online sales. Many buy prescription drugs from online companies based in India, Canada, and other locales. The unfortunate result of this unregulated source of potent pills are numerous:
- Wrong pills. Many patients receive pills that are not what they ordered – and many may not know it. This can cause problems if they interact negatively with other prescriptions or are too potent and cause an overdose in the user.
- Outdated pills. Even if the pills are correct, they may be out of date, which can alter their effectiveness.
- No medical supervision. Without a prescribing doctor, patients have nowhere to turn when they have questions or concerns. Those who take multiple prescriptions or are trying to self-medicate mental health or physical ailments may end up exacerbating the situation and/ or creating new ones.
- Risk of overdose. Receiving pills with no direction on how much to use and how often can give patients a false sense of safety. Many overdose when they take too much or mix the medications with other drugs and/ or alcohol.
- Legal repercussions. Buying medications online is illegal in the United States and, if caught, consumers can face serious consequences in court, including hefty fines and imprisonment.
Some drugs sold online are even legal (or as yet unregulated) but dangerous nonetheless. It’s important that patients realize that any drugs purchased online rather than obtained with a prescription from a reputable doctor can bring devastating results including addiction. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug dependence, call now to find out what treatment options will work best for you.
