I recently spoke with a man about his increasing dependence on pain killers. He had an injury two years ago and became increasingly dependent on his pain medication; even though his injury was fully healed. Unfortunately, this is an all too common occurrence.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 52 million people above the age of 12 have used prescription medications improperly during their life. Six million have done so within the last month.
In a recent article, addiction expert Stanton Peele, PhD outlines 10 steps to avoid addiction and overdose on prescription drugs.
Here are some of the tips listed in his article:
- Clear all drugs through one medical provider/pharmacist—
“It isn’t just doubling up on the same medication that can cause problems—there can be dangerous interactions among different drugs.”
- Even under a physician’s care, increasing dosage more than once is a red flag—
“If this occurs talk to your provider—you must be your own protector.”
- Select a non-medical person to discuss the impact of your medications on your life—
“You need also to check in with at least one person who knows you well.”
Avoiding addiction requires being mindful of your quality of life and putting safeguards in place to do so.
You can read Dr. Peele’s full article here: http://www.substance.com/ten-steps-to-avoid-addiction-or-overdose-while-using-prescription-drugs/16081/.
Peele, Stanton. (November 20, 2014). Ten Steps to Avoid Addiction or Overdose While Using Prescription Drugs [online article]. Retrieved from http://www.substance.com/ten-steps-to-avoid-addiction-or-overdose-while-using-prescription-drugs/16081/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2012). Results from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings [online article]. Retrieved from http://archive.samhsa.gov/data/NSDUH/2k11Results/NSDUHresults2011.htm
Philip Prewitt is a licensed professional counselor in Colorado with over 10 years specializing in substance abuse and families.