Over the past six years, hospitals have seen a nearly fifty percent increase in cough syrup related visits. Dextromethorphan , a common ingredient found in over the counter cough syrups, is being held responsible for those visits.

As a result of the increased abuse, the FDA is considering legislation to regulate the access and distribution of such medicines containing Dextromethorphan, a step which is causing many leading drug manufacturers much angst.

“When we hear of statistics regarding abuse of easily accessible medications, we’re certainly concerned,” remarks a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . “And the reason for our concern isn’t just because of the particular substance being abused. There’s a far greater concern for what the abuse of such a medication can lead to. For example, marijuana has always been considered a gateway drug; that is, a drug that opens the door to the use and abuse of more dangerous, illicit drugs. There is the fear that something as easily accessible as a cough syrup could lead to the same result: a move towards drugs that will produce a greater sense of euphoria and cause harm. Many times young adults will think that if this cough medicine makes them feel a little high, imagine what narcotics or heroin will make them feel like, and thus begins the cycle of abuse. Here we have a medication that most households all over America have in their medicine cabinets: a simple cough medicine. It’s disheartening that individuals can find ways to abuse even the most common substances and turn them into something dangerous and, potentially, life-threatening.”

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A recent study conducted by University of Buffalo physicians suggests that prescription pain killers are the new gateway drug to illicit drug addiction.

A study published by UB shows that 31 out of 75 patients hospitalized for narcotic detox first became addicted to drugs as a result of legitimately prescribed narcotics for pain. Another 24 individuals obtained their drugs via a friend’s left-over pills or from a family member’s medicine cabinet. The remaining 20 patients said they got hooked on street drugs.

A startling 92% of the patients within the study said they turned to buying heroin off of the street as it is less expensive and produces a stronger high than any prescription narcotics.

After their pain was resolved, however, most reported that they continued to use the prescribed drugs to help deal with the emotional stresses of day to day life and to feel better, in general.

“This is a disturbing trend,” remarks a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcoholism Treatment Center. “While effective for short-term pain management, prescription pain killers can be quite dangerous for some people. When these medications are prescribed it is best that patients be advised of the various ramifications that can occur and, if they begin to feel any dependence, they should tell their doctor. It can be very useful to bring in a pain management specialist for patients requiring longer term use. It’s troubling that a useful medication can cause such physical and psychological dependence, necessitating a program like our drug rehab New York program.”

Researchers found that about 51% of those who use illicit drugs first used narcotic pain killers for back pain, after surgery or an injury. The remaining 49% began using drugs simply because they were curious or a peer had narcotics readily available.

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A July 2010 study published by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration has shown an increase in drug abuse admissions of four times the average of the past 10 years at hospitals nationwide, for recreational use of narcotic prescriptions.

The study shows that for those individuals age 12 and older, admissions involving abuse of narcotics rose over 400 percent between 1998 and 2008, across all segments of the population, without regard to gender, level of education, ethnicity or socio-economic status.

“One of the most striking points of this study is that the demographic for these admissions is so widespread,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . “Previously, we have seen increases in a specific group, such as adolescents, and it’s a bit disconcerting to see such a significant increase over all groups. Something within society is changing and, most likely, these increases are related to the availability of these narcotics. Many states are recognizing this issue and are working with the medical field on how best to control this problem.”

These studies show that the need for effective drug rehab has never been greater. Statistics show that recreational use of prescription painkillers is the second most prevalent form of illicit drug use and are the sole source of the fastest growing drug problem within the US .

Mountainside’s original, unique approach to drug rehab began 12 years ago. Professionals in the drug treatment fields have recognized the effectiveness of Mountainside’s treatment modalities and how they are giving individuals an optimum chance for sustained recovery.

The compassionate, caring treatment team at Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is comprised of licensed and certified counselors and social workers as well as an on-staff Nurse Practitioner and a Registered Nurse, both of whom have specializations and extensive experience in drug addiction and alcohol treatment. For clients who may have psychiatric issues and/or a dual diagnosis, Mountainside provides the services of a Psychiatrist who also has specialization in addictions.

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In a move to curtail prescription drug abuse, Washington State is considering legislation that would require physicians to refer chronic narcotic pain medication users to a physician who specializes in pain management.

The need for this legislation stems from the over-prescribing of narcotics and under-monitoring their effectiveness on patients with such ailments as chronic lower back pain or arthritis. Proponents of the legislation have noted that terminally ill or cancer patients would not be affected and physicians would be able to prescribe pain medications as needed for end-of-life comfort measures.

“Prescription drug abuse is growing at an unprecedented rate today,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . “Not only is this creating an increased need for effective drug rehab, but it’s creating an epidemic of fatalities from drug overdose. It’s evident that there are some individuals who truly are dependent on narcotic pain medications to function in their daily lives; there are those who oppose legislation controlling the prescribing of pain medications because they fear that those in need would be denied those medications. That should not be the case – in fact, referral to a pain management specialist would actually give chronic pain sufferers a better quality of life as the source of their pain can better be addressed and monitored by a specialist. In addition, it’s highly likely that a more effective, long-term solution will be provided to those individuals.”

It’s estimated that in the past year, narcotic pain killers accounted for 7 percent of the total prescribed drugs, and the number of individuals taking them increased by over a third compared to previous years. Increased use of long-acting opioids such as OxyContin and methadone has contributed greatly to the epidemic of death by prescription overdose, second only to car accidents in nationwide fatalities.

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