Prescription Drug Overdose Epidemic….up 61% in Florida

 Prescription Drug Overdose Epidemic….up 61% in Florida

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a new report that undoubtedly surprised many across our nation: In Florida alone, prescription (Rx) drug overdoses claimed 16,650 lives from 2003 to 2009 — an average of eight deaths a day.

Rx drug overdoses have been a devastating problem in Florida, spread by the silence and misunderstanding over addiction and by the underworld “pill mill” economy run by rogue doctors and pharmacists who encourage “doctor shopping.”

The CDC report show that annual prescription drug overdose deaths jumped by 61 percent, from 1,804 to 2,905, during those years. Prescription medications, for example, were implicated in 76 percent of all drug overdose deaths in Florida, while illicit drugs like heroin and cocaine were implicated in 33 percent of the deaths.

Prescription drug abuse is, unfortunately, a part of daily life across Florida and across the country.

Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug problem across the country and our kids are in the midst of it.  Pharm Parties are stocked from medicine cabinets at home.

Do you see indications of this growing problem?

www.firstcallkc.org/prevention 

How Does an Addiction Affect the Family?

How Does an Addiction Affect the Family?

When a family member has a dependency, the whole family usually develops ways of coping with the problems associated with the dependency. Often, there is less communication: the family avoids talking about the issue, avoids expressing emotions, and may keep the addiction secret from the community. Some family members may take on some of the responsibilities abandoned by the addicted person.

While these coping strategies may help the family to operate more smoothly and get along better, they may also allow the dependency to continue. Unfortunately, family members may also use alcohol, drugs or gambling themselves as a way of coping with the problems in their family.

Members of an addicted family often experience loneliness, frustration, fear, anger and shame. They may also feel a sense of hopelessness about the situation. It's important for them to realize that the addiction is not their fault. Often, seeking outside help from a support group or professional counsellor can help them cope with what is going on in their family