Drug Addiction has profound effect on the Poor

Drug Addiction has Profound Effect on the Poor

In cities and towns across the country, poor children are more susceptible to being overprescribed anti-psychotic drugs compared with youths in the wealthier classes. And poor people may be given these powerful drugs after only minimal evaluation.

This is critical information about a worsening trend in the U.S., particularly when prescription drug addiction surpasses the addiction to cocaine and heroin combined.

According to a The New York Times report published in early December, federally funded drug research conducted by a joint group from Rutgers and Columbia universities shows that children covered by Medicaid are given powerful anti-psychotic drugs at a rate four times as high as children covered by private insurance.

Moreover, children covered by Medicaid are likely to receive these drugs for less severe conditions than those approved by the Food and Drug Administration, according to the report. And in some cases children do not even need the drugs. This is happening all over the nation.

“Narconon organizations all over the country can confirm the observations of The New York Time’s reporting and research,” says Myron Thompson, chairman of Narconon Hawaii. “In Hawaii, we’re finding that kids see prescribed drugs as safe at a time when prescription drug addiction has surpassed illegal street drug addiction, specifically cocaine and heroin.”

“While speaking at schools and civic organizations, Narconon counselors are finding children who are taking powerful prescription drugs for the most unusual reasons. Basic fundamentals that could affect a child’s behavior, moods and well-being – such as nutrition and sleep patterns – are being overlooked,” Thompson said. “The Rutgers-Columbia study definitely relates to what’s happening in the islands.”

All over the country in the last few years, Medicaid has been reimbursing doctors and health facilities much less for counseling sessions compared with putting people on prescriptions drugs. Another related factor is whether the patient or their families show up for counseling sessions.

Prescribing doctors and psychiatrists sometimes stretch the approval rating of drugs after they are deemed “safe” to use them for conditions the FDA never intended. This may be one reason why prescription drug addiction has surpassed the combined drug addiction levels of heroin and cocaine.

While some medical professionals and civic groups seek to reduce anti-psychotic drug use among children on Medicaid, the health of many kids continues to be adversely affected. Anti-psychotic drugs may cause drastic weight gain and metabolic changes that can produce physical problems.

“I’ve heard of complaints from prescription drug users such as ‘no one told me it was going to be like this,’ ” says one Narconon Hawaii counselor. “Just because it was prescribed by a doctor does not mean there are no adverse effects from the drug. All drugs are toxic.”

Meanwhile, a pediatric advisory committee is reportedly researching this issue for the FDA. The panel may require new warnings on labels for hundreds of thousands of people taking such drugs. Particularly, the estimated 300,000 people under the age of 18 who reportedly are either covered by Medicaid or private insurance.

The need for effective drug addiction treatment is becoming more prevalent. The solution to help those in need of substance abuse treatment or drug rehabilitation may seem elusive, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

In the Narconon Hawaii drug education program, a person can learn about drug abuse and addiction and gain valuable information about how drugs and addiction affect the mind and body. Also included in program is learning how the media and its advertisers influence the public on the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol.

Resolving the nationwide prescription drug problem starts with helping individuals. If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, whether prescribed or illicit, and in need of substance abuse treatment or drug rehabilitation please contact a counselor with Narconon Hawaii at 866-373-2809 or e-mail info@narcononhawaii.org