Soon after Michael Jackson’s death questions arose about his possible abuse of prescription drugs. Five days later those questions remain. Investigators recently took more medications from the rented house where Jackson collapsed.The controversy has focused attention on the nationwide problem of prescription drug abuse. The risk of addiction extends far beyond the rich and famous.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that millions of people in the U.S. abuse prescription drugs each year. The NIDA estimates that 48 million people have abused or misused prescription drugs in their lifetime.
Which drugs are most likely to be abused? The NIDA warns that three classes of drugs carry the greatest risk.
Opioids are commonly abused. These drugs are used to treat pain. Examples include morphine, codeine, OxyContin, Vicodin and Demerol.
Stimulants also may be abused. These drugs are used for problems such as narcolepsy. Examples include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate.
Central nervous system depressants also are commonly abused. This class of drugs includes barbiturates such as Nembutal. It also includes benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax.
Some benzodiazepines are used to treat insomnia. Examples include Dalmane, Doral, Halcion, Prosom and Restoril.
But newer “nonbenzodiazepines” have a lower risk of addiction. Examples include Ambien, Lunesta and Sonata.
Another low-risk sleep aid is ramelteon. It is marketed as Rozerem. This drug is a melatonin receptor agonist. It targets the part of the brain that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
The AASM offers these Guidelines for Taking Sleep Medications. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other questions about taking sleeping pills. You also should ask your doctor about cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. It is a safe and effective treatment option.
The NIDA reports that drug addiction is a brain disease that can be treated effectively. Treatments include detoxification, counseling and drug therapy.
To get help call 1-800-662-HELP or go online to http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/.
Learn more about prescription drug abuse on SleepEducation.com.
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2 comments:
It looks like this is about stress and should be addressed that way. Instead of the perception of doctors that is easy to prescribe to patients. Looking at the need of MJ for dealing with stress.
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I feel Michael did have a drug seeking addiction, and after all he was the KING and (still is) . So, with that being said, people around him gave him exactly what he wanted. In fear of job loss, maybe to not be in MJ's good graces. Whatever the case is, I feel our dear friend, icon, father, son, brother and one of the BEST was murdered at the hands of someone who had easy access to ANY drug. To a drug "seeker" that would be like a child in a candy store. I'm sure it would have been very hard to tell HIM no.. but the fact they didn't ,,, to me it was MURDER, Someone should pay!
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