Prescription Drugs And The United States - 1489 Words

Illegal drugs such as Heroin, Cocaine, and Meth, along with countless other narcotics place a heavy burden on the population of the United States, with an emphasis of distress on the youth. These drugs are extremely deadly. In 2014, 17,465 people died from overdoses in the United States alone. These drugs are illegal, and evidently for a very good cause. Transition The only problem is that there is an even deadlier factor that exist in today s modern society, and that problem exists in the form of prescriptions written to millions of people each year from certified and legal doctors. In 2014 the same year stated above, 25,760 people in the United States died from overdoses from drugs that they received legally and often with good intentions, from family doctors that they know and trust (Bellware). That is over 8,000 more people dying from prescription drugs compared to illegal drugs. Prescription drug abuse is a problem in the United States and it is fueled by famous individuals, pro motions by pharmaceutical companies and by doctors. When patients are prescribed to a medicine for low amounts of pain, they are usually prescribed daily use of anti-inflammatory pills such as ibuprofen or tylenol. For more severe pain, patients are often prescribed these pills in higher dosages, or even prescribed opiates such as vicodin or oxycontin (Meisel Perrone). Anti-inflammatory pills are not as powerful as drugs such as opioids, but they present the risk of cardiovascular problemsShow MoreRelatedPrescription Drugs And The United States1749 Words   |  7 PagesAccording to IMS Health (2015) over 4.3 billion prescription drugs were dispensed in the United States and Narconon (2015) reports that the decade ending in 2008 saw a four hundred percent increase in people seeking treatment for opioid addiction. Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic that transcends all socioeconomic boundaries in our society and is destroying lives, families, and whole communities, especially tho se most vulnerable; the physically and mentally ill. For one to better understandRead MorePrescription Drugs And The United States Essay2310 Words   |  10 PagesThe United States spends more money on prescription drugs than any other industrialized country. In 2013, the United States spent $858 per capita compared to the average of $400 for 19 industrialized countries (Kesselheim, Avorn, Sarpatwari, 2016). Prescription drug costs have significantly increased in recent years: from 2013 to 2015, prescription drug net spending increased to about 20%, which surpassed a forecast of an 11% increase (Kesselheim et al., 2016). Prescription drugs amount to 17%Read MoreDrug Policy, Prescription Drugs, And The United States1393 Words   |  6 PagesOne of the greatest problems we face in America today is the use and abuse of drugs in our country. It is important to find a solution that works within our country to combat the growing populations of our nation’s prisons, keep the supp ly of drugs under control, and have adequate prevention programs in place to help people who need treatment. Throughout reading the material for this course and the research conducted on the topics described in this paper, it is clear that the methods used in earlierRead MoreAdvertising Prescription Drugs And The United States1021 Words   |  5 PagesIf you have ever watched TV in America you are aware of â€Å"direct-to consumer (DTC) advertising for prescription drugs. These are ads provided by drug companies in the intent to educate the general public on the benefits of their product. They often feature celebrities or catchy cartoons with very healthy satisfied patients. This type of advertising of prescription drugs is unique to the United States. It was one of only two countries that allows DTC advertising. New Zealand is the only other developedRead MoreEssay on Prescription Drugs and Drug Abuse in the United States1751 Words   |  8 PagesWith access to prescription dr ugs, people are able to treat a multitude of diseases and illnesses. These drugs help deal with pain, inability to sleep, depression, and much more. Every day we are increasingly living in a world where there is better living through chemicals. However, what most do not seem to see is the rising tide of pain, illness, and ultimately death being caused by the pills people take every day. Most keep drugs in a special place in their minds, where they see them as harmlessRead MorePrescription Drugs And The United States And New Zealand1719 Words   |  7 Pages Prescription for Danger Lorraine Yahne ENG 122 Composition II Instructor MacDonald September 15, 2014 â€Æ' Direct to Consumer Advertising There are only two countries that allow advertising of prescription drugs to consumers; the United States and New Zealand. Direct to consumer advertising (DTCA) is what they call the prescription drugs advertisements that are made specifically for the consumer. Pharmaceutical companies survival depends upon a gullible public buying what they are sellingRead MorePrescription Drug Abuse And The United States With Students2605 Words   |  11 Pages Running Head: Prescription Drug Abuse Prescription Drug Abuse in the United States with students Vikash Patel Wayne State University Prescription drug abuse among college students have increased over the past few years and is now a national problem. College students are abusing stimulant prescription pills just to stay awake to study and they will abuse the prescription pills just to stay awake to socialize with friends. According to the journal of Human Behavior in the Social EnvironmentRead MoreDirect Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising : Looking For The Future1261 Words   |  6 Pagesshape, or form encountered pharmaceutical advertising nearly everyday of your life. In the United States, pharmaceutical advertising has presented several concerns to consumers. Steps should be taken to reduce the negative effects of these types of advertisements. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising, such as the TV commercials or magazine ads you see telling you to â€Å"ask your doctor if such-and-such drug is right for you†, and its possible consequences has recently come under scrutiny. This aspectRead MoreMylan Faces Scrutiny Over Epipen Increases1968 Words   |  8 Pagesmillion prescriptions for the product were written last year, according to IMS Health. The harsh criticism from the public and the government have taken its toll on Mylan, as stock prices have fallen. Top members of both the Republican and Democratic parties have heavily criticized Mylan, including the Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. Some have even called for investigations. The American Medical Association called on Mylan to limit the â€Å"exorbitant costs† of the drug. Mylan hasRead MorePrescription Drug Abuse And Prescription Drugs1487 Words   |  6 PagesPrescription Drug Abuse Prescription Drug Abuse has increased in an alarming rate over recent years! Prescription drug related deaths now outnumber those from heroin and cocaine combined. The abuse in prescription drugs in America goes back more than a hundred years ago. Prescription drug abuse is the use of a medication without a prescription, in a way other than prescribed, or for the experience or feelings elicited. Although prescription medications are intended to help individuals, they can