You might think it’s more dangerous to engage in warfare than take prescription drugs. But the opposite is true.
Opium and heroin production levels have risen to astronomical degrees in recent years – and both easily find their way into the hands of doctors and drug dealers alike, turning patients into addicts, addicts into patients, and leading many to an early grave.
Our idea of who a drug addict is changing as a result. These days, patients can become addicted to and begin to abuse drugs that are first prescribed to them by a doctor.
And the drugs are potent; many prescription medications being used to treat patients suffering from chronic pain and anxiety are as addictive and dangerous as illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin. Because many prescription medications are opiate-based, they are not necessarily safer than “street drugs,” contrary to what many people believe.
More than 100 million Americans currently take prescription drugs for a variety of health issues.
But opioids may be causing more harm than good. Addiction to opioids is claiming the lives of nearly 30,000 Americans every year. While most doctors understand the consequences of abuse of these prescription medications, others may be more concerned with providing what a patient wants rather than what he or she needs.
American War Death Rates
We did the math. Just over 1 million American military service members have been killed in all US wars combined since the country was founded.
This count includes the American Revolutionary War (4,435 dead), War of 1812 (2,260), Indian Wars (1,000), Mexican War (13,283), Civil War (498,332), Spanish-American War (2,446), WWI (116,516), WWII (405,399), Korean War (54,246), Vietnam War (90,220), Persian Gulf War (1,565), and terrorist attacks (6,852).
Compare this to the number of Americans estimated to be killed by prescription drugs (not just opioids) since January 1, 2000: about 19 million people.
A National Emergency
In 2017, US President Trump declared the opioid epidemic a national public health emergency, due to so many Americans harming themselves or others with the use of prescription medications such as fentanyl and oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet).
The US Department of Justice levied criminal charges against more than 600 people who profited (to the tune of $2 billion) from pushing these medications into the hands of people who wanted to abuse them.
Your health is of the utmost importance to us. The physicians and staff at Rockville Concierge Doctors provide personalized, patient-centered care for patients with chronic conditions as well as preventive care for individuals throughout their lives – from young adulthood to middle age to the senior years. Discover myriad benefits of concierge medicine and the incredible services we offer our patients. Call (301) 545-1811 or get started online to schedule a free consultation.
