Everyday Health: Painkillers – More Harmful Than Cocaine?

The Dunes East Hampton was featured in an Everyday Health article explaining how illicit substances purchased on the street corner may actually be safer than painkillers obtained at your local pharmacy.

Researchers from School of Population Health at the University of Queensland, Australia concluded that prescription painkillers contribute to more deaths and illnesses than heroin, cocaine or heroin – an issue which appears on the rise in the United States.

According to the study, addiction to opioid medications such as Oxycontin and Vicodin affects more than 15 million people throughout the world, compared to 13 million addicted to marijuana. The only way to solve these addictions is with a prescription drug addiction treatment. 

Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic – Insight From The Dunes’ Executive Director

Courtesy of: everydayhealth.com

Such figures are not surprising to The Dunes’ Executive Director, Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, who says “the findings are not surprising, as opioids are not only heavily addictive, but also very well marketed.” Dr. Kardaras continues, “Opiates have gotten much stronger over time and this creates more dependence. In addition, pharmaceutical companies advertise these drugs heavily, and this creates a consumer market for powerful pain pills.”

Prescription painkillers are not only addictive, but also potentially fatal. The study found that 55% of the 78,000 deaths due to drug overdose in 2010 could be attributed to painkiller abuse.

“Opiates are easy to overdose on,” Kardaras said. “When you take too many, your respiration slows down and your breathing stops. It’s very easy to reach that tipping point.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 12 million U.S. citizens abuse prescription painkillers, resulting in over 14,000 deaths per year.

The Driving Force Behind Prescription Opiate Addiction?

Ease of access and lack of education.

“The gateway for a lot of young people into drug abuse is their parent’s medicine cabinet,” says Kardaras. “If a child is going to abuse drugs, they’re going to take what’s available and what they have access to, which is often painkillers.”

If someone you love is struggling with an addiction to prescription medication, The Dunes East Hampton is the place to turn. The Dunes offers a premiere luxury rehab experience with access to holistic treatment, equine therapy, and executive rehab. Call us now! We are available 24/7!

Read the full Everyday Health article now! – Painkiller Addiction Worse Than Marijuana or Cocaine, Study Finds