Two recent articles in the The New York Times can only lead to one disturbing conclusion about a dangerous trend in opiate use in our country. The first article reports on the increase in opiate prescriptions and the poor monitoring and follow through of doctors prescribing those prescriptions leading to dramatic increases in drug abuse and dependence of such medications. The second, article describes how these medications are increasingly being prescribed to pregnant mothers. More research is needed into the potential devastating consequences of opiate abuse among pregnant women. One can only wonder how in utero opiate abuse can affect a fetus and open a doorway that predisposes a child to a lifelong battle with addiction. Read the following articles from The New York Times below and learn more about Prescription Drug Abuse at www.jeremyfrankphd.com.
Abuse of Opiates Soars in Pregnant Women
The fast-growing abuse of prescription drugs has reached maternity wards in hospitals across the country.
Tightening the Lid on Pain Prescriptions
Experts say that doctors, despite the dangers, often keep patients on high-strength painkillers known as opioids for years without properly checking to see if their conditions improve.