Prescription Drug Addiction at the Turn of the Century and Today
Prescription drug addiction is not a new problem, though it has increased in severity in the past decade. Ever since doctors have been giving medications to patients for the treatment of different ailments, prescribed drugs have been abused and people have developed addictions as a result.
Prescription Drug Addiction at the Turn of the Century
At the turn of the century, a number of addictive drugs were given out for basic issues like headaches, coughs, and colds. Drugs as intense as morphine, heroin, and codeine were found in most cough syrups and elixirs – they were even found in the earliest versions of Coca-Cola and toothache powder. The amounts of addictive drugs found in these products was not enough to get the average user high, especially when they used the recommended dosage. However, addicts then – just like addicts now – quickly figured out that taking more than the prescribed dosage could get them high and they learned how to get more and more of the drugs they needed to stay that way.
There are cases of forged prescriptions going back to the early 1900s. Stealing from doctors is an old practice as well. And both of these actions were classified as criminal back then as well – though it was perhaps a bit easier to pull them both off without getting caught at the turn of the century than it is today.
Prescription Drug Addiction Today
Today, people are still doctor shopping to get multiple prescriptions for similar medications. They’re robbing pharmacies and stealing prescription pads from doctors. They’re going to the emergency room and faking back pain or other injuries to get more pills. They’re asking for emergency refills early claiming that they lost their medication. They’re turning to street drugs like heroin to achieve the same or a similar high that they get when taking opiate painkillers. They’re augmenting the effects of the pills that they do have with alcohol and other drugs.
Fighting Prescription Drug Addiction
At the turn of the century, those caught stealing or committing fraud for their addiction would end up in jail. Today, in many communities, the same penalty applies. However, some states have prescription databases in place to help identify those who may be struggling with prescription drug addiction in order to help them get help. In other cases, nonviolent offenders may be eligible for treatment rather than imprisonment when addiction is the primary causative factor.
Drug rehab is the safest and most effective way to address the issue of prescription drug dependence. Contact us at Michael’s House today to learn more about your treatment options and how we can help.
My marriage was ravaged by prescription drug abuse. My spouse was ingesting benzos,anti-depressants,opiates, sleeping pills and alcohol. Unbelievably, I was in the dark on it. I knew he was drinking and the alcohol seemed to affect him quicker, but he denied taking any other drugs. This continued on and off for five years until I discovered the truth. Perhaps, part of me really didn’t want to believe it. I blame him for not coming to me with his problems, but mostly I blame the doctors for continuing prescribing him these addictive substances. It ruined our family and our marriage, emotionally and financially (basically due to his incompetence at work). Doctors need to be more educated on the dangers of what they prescribe. But, mostly the public needs an awareness of this awful epidemic. This is a problem in our society that needs to be on the forefront!