We need to find more ways to help

To the editor:
Although there are treatment options available to assist those having issues with prescription drug abuse, it is still a growing problem.
This problem persists with not only children, but adults as well. The lack of funding for treatment programs from the federal government creates a sense of frustration for both adults suffering from prescription drug abuse as well as drug-treatment specialists who are not able to meet all of the needs for their clients.
The lack of insurance that will cover drug treatment poses a problem in convincing addicts to pursue treatment options. This creates a sense of chaos, not only for the life of the addict, but also for their family. By making it more difficult to obtain such treatment, addicts will likely never seek out the help they need based on their assumption that they will be turned away because of the lack of financial means necessary to pay for the treatment. When addicts do not seek help, they often continue harming themselves and creating a lifestyle that youth may begin to idolize. It becomes a norm for the family of an addict t have these drugs readily available; therefore creating an environment that contributes to the youth leading an addictive lifestyle themselves.
Without addressing the issues regarding the availability of drug treatment options, society creates a cycle of addictive behaviors that will result in a large percentage of youth and adult participation in prescription drug use. However, it may not always be obvious by society, or even an addict’s love ones, if they are not aware of the signs of prescription drug abuse. The signs and symptoms of such abuse need to be made more prevalent in drug abuse programs within schools and within the workplace. By making society aware of these signs and symptoms, it will be easier to determine how common this problem actually is. It could also lead to a change in policy regarding what should be done to aid addicts to obtain treatment, even when financially unable to pursue it for them.
The most common signs of prescription drug abuse are the fatigues or glazed, red eyes. Those who abuse prescription drugs may also complain about persistent health problems, as well as demonstrate a decreased or obsessive interest in schoolwork. While these are common, certain types of prescription drugs create a variety of different symptoms. Those who abuse pain relievers commonly experience depression, decreased breathing rate, confusion, constricted pupils and low blood pressure. Depressants typically cause drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech and poor judgment. Addicts that take stimulants could experience weight loss, agitation, irritability, high blood pressure, anxiety and insomnia.
Regardless of what symptoms may persist or why types of prescriptions may be abused, society needs to be made aware of these signs in order to comprehend the amount of people who struggle with prescription drug addiction and abuse. By realizing this number, it will propel society to make changes in order for those suffering, and the families enduring the struggle as they attempt to find ways to help and addict, so that they can obtain the treatment necessary to assist them in stopping this hazardous, life-threatening behavior.
Claire Fennig
and Ashley Reynolds
Portland[[In-content Ad]]