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Are we a Pill Popping Society?

Updated on June 24, 2013

Disclaimer: I am not a health care professional. Please seek the advice of your doctor before you change your diet, exercise program, or make any other lifestyle changes.

Are we in More Trouble Than we Think?

Are Health Care Professionals the new Drug Dealers?

Prescription drug abuse has forced substances with legitimate medical benefits onto the streets. These drugs are now into the hands of illegal drug dealers and abusers. How many of you have gone to a doctor within the last year and were prescribed a pill of some sort? How many of you have realized that a pill isn’t the cure all. We as a species have become dependent on oral medication. Granted, many senior citizens wouldn’t have been able to become senior citizens if it hadn’t have been for modern medication. There are also many people who truly need these medications. However, is it really necessary for the other folks, including children to be on pills for an indefinite amount of time?

There are ancient, natural remedies to ease whatever ails you. It is easier to find these holistic alternatives today than it was several years ago. Prior to the turn of the century, people in many countries and cultures became completely aware of the dangerous chemicals we ingest unnecessarily, in medications, food, water, and air. There are weight loss pills, hair growing pills, sexual enhancement pills, energy increasing pills, pills for depression, pills for headaches, pills for stomach aches, pills for fungus, pills for coughs and colds, pills for allergies, pills for insomnia, and so much more. I’ve listed below, a few types of narcotic prescription drugs that are commonly prescribed by licensed and reputable physicians on a daily basis.

Prescribed Barbiturates

Barbiturates are drugs that suppress the Central Nervous System. This class of drugs are most commonly prescribed for seizure and convulsion control. Often, barbiturates are used as an anesthetic and for sedation. They provide a calming effect. Also, barbiturates create tolerance; so if you use it on a regular basis, eventually you will need to increase your dose in order to have the same effects. If abused, addiction is highly possible, and the need to increase the dosage to get the same “high” could cause respiratory failure and death. Fortunately this group of drugs is not prescribed as much as it used to be. However, benzodiazepines have taken over as a more effective treatment. A few barbiturates include:

  • Phenobarbital (Luminal)
  • Methylphenobarbital (Mebaral, Prominal)
  • Secobarbital (Seconal)
  • Methohexital (Brevital)

Tramadol is a prescribed pain reliever that is a synthetic opioid and induces Serotonin release, and also inhibits the reuptake of Norepinephrine.  Serotonin and Norepinephrine are mood changing chemicals in the brain.
Tramadol is a prescribed pain reliever that is a synthetic opioid and induces Serotonin release, and also inhibits the reuptake of Norepinephrine. Serotonin and Norepinephrine are mood changing chemicals in the brain. | Source

Prescribed Opiates and other Pain Killers (Analgesics)

Obviously pain killers are for easing various types of pain, caused by various reasons. Many people with painful diseases do, in fact, need some relief. Many times, a synthetic drug can be replaced by a natural substance and have the same relief. Many people I know are on some sort of regular synthetic narcotic regimen for pain, depression, or anxiety. Some of these analgesics include:

  • Morphine (Opium Derivative)
  • Oxycodone (Partial synthetic Opioid, includes Percocet, Oxycontin)
  • Hydrocodone (Partial synthetic Opioid, includes Vicoden, Lortab)
  • Codeine (Opium Derivative, includes Tylenol 3)
  • Tramadol (Synthetic analgesic that also increases Serotonin released in the brain, includes Ultram)
  • Fentanyl (Synthetic Opioid 100 times more potent than Morphine and usually prescribed as a transdermal patch or flavored lollipop for severe break through pain.)

This class of drugs is necessary in many cases. However, this class of drugs is also extremely addictive and overdose often causes death. Moreover, these drugs are often combined with other over the counter (OTC) analgesics (NSAIDS).

Source

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

Studies show that too much of these analgesics (NSAIDS) can cause severe liver and kidney problems, as well as death in some cases. Here are a few common pain relievers added to opium, or opioid, analgesics:

  • Ibuprofen (Advil)
  • Aspirin (Bayer or BC)
  • Naproxen (Aleve)

Is the pain really that bad? Is it worth the risk of the possible side effects? Why not try a safer way to deal with the pain, if possible?

**Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not in the NSAID family because it is not an anti-inflammatory drug, but a mere pain reliever and fever reducer.

Prescribed Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines (Benzos) are anti anxiety medications to help control panic attacks, lessen high stress situations, and ease bereavement. They are classified as a psychoactive drug suppressing the Central Nervous System. Benzos have replaced many of the formerly prescribed Barbiturates. They are also prescribed to control seizures, withdraw symptoms from alcohol abuse, and insomnia as well.

Stress is a huge contributor to terminal diseases and should be reduced as much as possible. In addition to prescribed pills, meditation, prayer, exercise, proper diet, herbs, vitamins, and minerals help to reduce stress levels. The down side to use of Benzos is addiction, and the fact that it is highly dangerous to abruptly stop taking the medication. This action could be fatal. When the time comes to stop using this drug, do it safely by weaning off under the supervision of your physician is absolutely necessary. The most common Benzos are:

  • Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Diazepam (Valium)
  • Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

Are You Part of the Pill Nation?

I realize that many people truly need the drugs their doctor's prescribe. Are you taking prescription medication on a regular basis?

See results

Prescribed Muscle Relaxers and Nerve Pain Relievers

Muscle relaxers are prescribed to control painful muscle spasms. Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, and many other diseases cause extreme skeletal muscular discomfort. More often than not, individuals prescribed the follow drugs are in desperate need of them:

  • Diazepam (Valium)
  • Tizanadine (Zanaflex)
  • Orphenadrine (Norflex)
  • Methocarbamol (Robaxin)

Nerve pain relievers are anticonvulsants, anti-depressants, opioid analgesics and non-narcotic analgesics. When taking anticonvulsants or anti-depressants, it is of the utmost importance that you do not abruptly stop taking these medications. If and when the time comes to stop using these pills, be sure to wean yourself off under the close supervision of your doctor. The following are prescribed pills to treat nerve pain:

  • Venlafaxine (Effexor)
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
  • Diphenyldantoin (Dilantin)

The Hemp Flower
The Hemp Flower | Source

Prescribed Marijuana; Is it Holistic?

As long as the plant remains 100% natural, the Hemp plant which contains Marijuana buds is holistic, in my opinion. It is a proven fact that it eases nausea, reduces pain, increases appetite, successfully treats glaucoma, and reduces stress levels. At this time, we Americans, along with most of the civilized world are given a different pill for each of these ailments.

Many states in American as well as other countries all over the world are beginning to realize the benefits of medical Marijuana. Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical companies will have a say in any attempt to legalize the use of the plant for symptom relief.

The drugs listed above, with the exception of Marijuana, are legal to obtain by a licensed physician. It is illegal to possess them without a prescription and to sell them as well. However, they are legal drugs for you to take as often as your doctor prescribes. We haven’t even covered hard street drugs, designer drugs, and other drugs made from household products. So now, what do we do? Have we really become a pill popping society?

As always, your feedback is welcomed and appreciated. I would like to thank you for your interest in my article. I certainly hope the read was helpful, enlightening, and encouraging. Please feel free to leave a suggestion, or share your personal story in the comments section below.

"Be kind to one another" ~ Ellen

God Bless You ~ Margaret Sullivan

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