AHS Views

In going through the news headlines on a daily basis, I see a lot of stories that have to do with illegal drug activity, underage drinking, mephedrone being banned in the UK, overdose deaths by Hollywood stars, etc, etc. I repeat – this is daily (sometimes hourly) news! But, I have to say that the most prevalent topic that I come across, almost on a daily basis, has to do with prescription drugs.

This is a world wide epidemic. The tragedies caused by prescription drugs are not only outweighing those of illegal drugs, but are being felt all over the globe. Why are these drugs so dangerous? There are a few of factors; first of all, they’re not hard to get. You can buy them from dealers who illegitimately acquire them from who knows where, you can buy them online, you can go to your family doctor and tell them you’re in pain or you could simply go to the family medicine cabinet and just take them.

Sometimes people start taking prescriptive pain killers because of an injury or after a surgical procedure and wind up getting hooked. Sometimes people begin taking an antidepressant which can act like a gateway, especially when started at a young age. Sometimes people just want to get a different high because alcohol isn’t quite doing it for them. There are a plethora of reasons.

The main thing that everyone should know is that the abuse of prescription drugs is not safe. In fact, it’s the second leading cause of death in the US right now. A common misconception about taking pills vs. meth, heroin or cocaine, is that they’re prescribed by doctors, so they must not be that harmful. Well folks, I hate to burst your bubble, but they’re far from being safe and certainly not ok to use recreationally.

Even if you’re not using prescription drugs for fun, it’s important to have them prescribed by a physician and take them only as directed. Do not keep any extra pills that are left over. And, don’t borrow pills from friends to self medicate. Keep in mind how Brittany Murphy died, she was self medicating for illnesses and accidentally overdosed.

I can’t stress how important it is for people to get educated on this heated topic. Prescription drug abuse is no joke. It’s taking over people’s lives and leaving families as victims of love ones leaving too soon.

Once again, Lindsay Lohan has made the news. Today, it was reported that she missed a court date by arriving ninety minutes late. Then apparently, she was seen out shopping. Does she not think that the law applies to her? Does she not think there is a problem here? It would appear the answer to both of those questions is no, she doesn’t.

Lindsay was supposed to appear in court because of a lawsuit that was filed against her 2008, by three men, for endangering their lives. She was reported to have held them hostage in her vehicle while driving drunk. She probably thought it was fun at the time, but it obviously wasn’t good times for her passengers.

Stories have been surfacing for years about Lindsay, going in an out of treatment centers, having quarrels with her father for being too loose lipped with the press, having drunk driving episodes, photos of her so drunk she can barely stand up, having prescription drug addiction problems, etc. She’s got some issues, and I don’t think anyone could argue that point. It’s also quite apparent that the steps that she’s gone through over that period of time have not helped her.

When a young person is getting in trouble with the law for alcohol and prescription drug abuse, there’s a problem that really needs to be properly addressed. She needs help. Drug and alcohol rehab help, to be exact.

I would venture to guess that she doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with her actions or behavior. One of these days, it will catch up with her though, and when it does, I hope for her sake that she decides to go to a treatment center on her own volition to conquer the addictions that she is battling. If not, she’ll wind up in prison, or worse, dead. She’s a very bright and beautiful, young star, it is my hope that she realizes this and gets the help she so desperately needs.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has decided to lift a longstanding ban which will allow commercial pilots to fly while taking antidepressants. When I read this in the news, I shuttered at the thought of being completely at the mercy of a pilot, flying me around while on drugs!

Apparently, there will be some restrictions to this new allowance for pilots. They will be allowed to fly commercially only if they suffer from mild to moderate depression and they can only be taking one of four prescription antidepressants (Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft or Lexapro). They will also have to prove that they’ve been on the antidepressant for at least one year.
Knowing what I know about these drugs, I am horrified with this decision. I do not want to be flown by a pilot under the influence! And yes, that is what they would be – under the influence. In case you aren’t aware of how these drugs can affect a person, here’s a partial list of possible side-effects:

•    Insomnia
•    Nausea
•    Weakness
•    Drowsiness
•    Anxiety
•    Nervousness
•    Shakiness
•    Dizziness
•    Vomiting
•    Vision Changes
•    Chest Pain
•    Suicidal thoughts or behavior
•    Panic Attacks
•    Hostility or aggressiveness
•    Confusion or other mental changes
•    Hallucinations
•    Overactive reflexes
•    Agitation
•    Seizures
•    Coma
•    Congestive heart failure
•    Dependency
•    Addiction

These are just a few of the possibilities. It’s important, not only for anyone who is considering taking these drugs, but to think of someone flying a plane while on these medications. The repercussions could be absolutely tragic! I actually have a strong feeling that they will be, but only time will tell now that the ban has been lifted. Hopefully the pilots that are addicted will get addiction help before tragedy strikes.