Can legal drugs be deadlier than illegal drugs?
There is a major, major, major drug problem in Florida. The rate of deaths caused by prescription drugs was three times the rate of deaths caused by illicit ones, according to an analysis of autopsies in 2007 which was released by the Florida Medical Commission.
Is Florida alone with this problem? Studies by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration have found that roughly 7 million Americans are abusing prescription drugs. If accurate, that would be an increase of 80 percent in six years and more than the total abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, ecestasy and inhalants.
The Florida report analyzed 168,900 deaths statewide. Cocaine, heroin and all methamphetamines caused 989 deaths, it found, while legal opiods - strong painkillers in brand-name drugs such as Vicodin and OxyContin - caused 2,328.
Drugs with benzodiazepine, mainly depressants like Valium and Xanax, led to 743 deaths. Alcohol was the most commonly occurring drug, appearing in the bodies of 4,179 of the dead and judged the cause of death of 466 - fewer than cocaine (843) but more than methamphetamine (25) and marijuana (0).
The study also found that while the number of people who died with heroin in their bodies increased 14 percent in 2007, to 110, deaths related to the opioid oxcodone increased 36 percent to 1,253.
Florida scrutinizes drug related deaths more closely than do other states, and so there is little basis for comparison. Still, the state has lagged in enforcement. Thirty-eight other states have approved prescriiption-drug monitoring programs that track sales. Florida lawmakers have repeatedly considered similar legislation, but privacy concerns have kept it from passing.
As a result, federal, state and local law enforcement officials say that Florida has become a source of prescription drugs that are illegally sold across the country.
William Janes who is the director of drug control talks about a monitoring plan which is a priority effort and that Florida is also looking at ways to curb illegal internet sales and to encourage doctors and pharmacists to identify potential abusers.
In Broward County, deputies completed a "drug takeback" in which $5 Wal-Mart, CVS or Walgreens gift cards were distributed to 150 people who cleaned out their medicine cabinets and turned in unused drugs in an effort to keep them out of young people's hands.
Lisa McElhaney of the pharmaceutical drug diversion unit of the Broward County sheriff's office says, "The abuse has reached epidemic proportions. It's just explosive."
I find this very scary. And this is just one state we are talking about. These people are already involved this drug abuse. It's a legitimate worry for parents concerned about their children, although those involved are of all ages. I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to either be involved in this drug abuse or know know someone who is.
One of the major reasons I write these articles is because I believe in doing the most that I can in informing people about natural health. I can't do anything about anyone who is already abusing drugs, but what I'm interested in is helping people get into the habit of only using natural products that they consume, put on their skin, and use in their homes.
In all of my articles I always talk about one of the Amazon Herb products. I hand choose this company to be involved with. This is Rainforest nutrition for extraordinary health and well-being. The Rainforest is the most concentrated source of life energy on Earth.
There are many scientifically documented health benefits of Rainforest botanicals. It is, therefore, no surprise that when we consume and easily assimilate these nutrients, the vitality and life force of the Rainforest is reflected in our health.
Imagine feeling better than you've ever felt before. Imagine feeling great all the time - healthy, youthful, uplifted, relaxed and full of energy.
Now imagine doing all that naturally! The Amazon Rainforest is nature's most concentrated source of life nutrients; the Amazon Herb nutrition products bring those natural benefits directly to you.
Deep in the Amazon Rainforest, a life sustaining cycle of fresh rain nourishes pristine botanicals. Rain is the vital essence and life force of the Rainforest, providing nutrients for growth and regeneration.
With over 215,000 species of plants, the Amazon Rainforest has been called the greatest celebraton of life on Earth. Rainforest Bio-Energetics nutrition captures the essence of this concentrated life energy to help renew your health and vitality.
I personally use the Amazon Herb products and both love and get great benefit from them. I invite you to take a look at the website www.magicoftherainforest.amazonherb.net and see the products that are available, nutritional, skincare, teas, chocolates, and cleaning.
Order the products directly on the website. If you have any questions email me at bleynor@gmail or leave a message for me at 972-618-3446.
Barbara Leynor
Certifies Wellness Coach
