Prescription Drug Addiction in San Diego County

I have noted the increase in prescription drug dependence among young adults ages 17-25 who are addicted to prescription drugs. For residents in San Diego County, the problem of abusive distribution of prescription drugs is further compounded by our close proximity to Tijuana. Teenagers stream across the border to Tijuana and come back with any narcotic prescription drug they want. The story I hear when treating these young people, is that if you are tall enough to put your money on the counter, the clerk will sell you the prescription drugs. Here's information on another side of the problem, an article from Join Together.org.

California Targets Top Abusers of State Prescription Drug System

The California attorney general's office has announced a crackdown on prescription drug fraud that will start by targeting 50 individuals with the most extensive track record of visiting multiple doctors and pharmacies to get drugs, the Imperial Valley News recently.

California Attorney General Edumnd Brown Jr. reported that prescription drug addicts are abusing the system, draining time and money from hundreds of doctors and pharmacies who are there to help real sick people. He noted the dangerous cycles of fraud and abuse.

A statewide campaign was launched in June to address prescription drug abuse and make it easier for doctors to keep track of prescription drug records. The plan includes a proposal to ensure health professionals access to computers with real-time updated information describing patient prescription drug histories.
The initiative has led to dozens of arrests of individuals suspected of gaming the system to fraudulently obtain large quantities of controlled prescription drugs.

Commentary - Prescription Drug Dependence

Prescription Drug Dependency is a growing problem in our communities. Media advertising and the ease physicians have in prescribing opiate pain medication and tranquillizers, from teenagers to the elderly, has contributed to the excessive number of prescription pill addicts.

The addiction generally begins because a patient is experiencing a physically or emotionally painful condition for which they either receive an opiate to reduce the symptoms of physical pain or a tranquillizer or sedative medication to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. After the initial symptoms have decreased, the dependency upon them may be developing. Who is prone to become addicted to these meds?

• Men and women who have a prior history of not being able to easily stop their drinking, who drink in excess of 1-2 drinks at a sitting.
• Men and women who have a family history of alcoholism or drug addiction.

Taking a look at our addiction history, whether to alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs will help us determine if we have the potential to abuse or become dependent on prescription drugs. There are healthier methods of pain reduction and relaxation. Turning to a drug only increases the problem.