We’ve all heard the tragic news about Whitney Houston’s death. Sadly, she is being added to the list of countless others who have died from drug overdoses–Heath Ledger, Michael Jackson, North California teen Takeimi Rao…
The sadness we sense at their loss, though, might cause us to reflect on some important reminders in our lives.
Addiction is an equal opportunity disease
Addiction affects the celebrities, the average Joe, the executive, the homeless, the elderly, the teenagers- everyone. No matter who you are or what position you hold, you are susceptible to substance abuse. Addiction is like cancer; anyone can become addicted. Similar to cancer patients, addicts also have two choices: treatment and the subsequent battle for life or death.
Prescription drugs can lead to chemical dependence
Prescription drugs can be used for good, but they also have potential for abuse. A number of addictive prescriptions treat only the symptoms of, for example, pain, or anxiety. It is important that these types of prescriptions are used short term for specific known causes of pain or anxiety to avoid developing dependency on these drugs. Be in control of the prescriptions that you are taking.
Combinations can be deadly
Combining substances can add up to a lethal dose.
Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta) potentially could be deadly when combined with alcohol. Since stimulants mask the effects of alcohol, one may drink so much that it causes emergency or death.
Also, sedatives and alcohol are a very dangerous combination. Sedating drugs suppress the central nervous system, which controls the most vital functions like heart rate and breathing. Sedating drugs include narcotics (Vicodin, Oxycontin, Percocet) and benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin). When combining multiple sedating drugs and alcohol, the effects add up, and can slow one’s heart rate and breathing to the point of stopping.
Act Now
You don’t have to wait until you end up as the result of some lethal combination of drugs and alcohol–it is possible to take steps towards improving your life and finding long-term sobriety today. For years, Duffy’s in Napa Valley has helped thousands of patients find hope, peace, and long-term sobriety.