Chapter 5 Domestic Drug Production: Drugs In Society Causes ✓ Solved
Chapter 5 Domestic Drug Production Drugs in Society: Causes
This chapter will enable you to: Learn the role that legitimate drug industry plays in the nation’s drug abuse problem, understand the extent of the marijuana cultivation problem in the United States, realize the magnitude of the nation’s clandestine laboratory problem, and learn the consequences of pharmaceutical diversion in our country’s drug problem.
The Pharmaceutical Drug Industry
The term pharmaceuticals refers to a category of drugs that includes capsules, pills, liquids, suppositories, lotions, and other preparations with medical uses. Pain killers have regularly been used to treat victims in accidents, surgeries, and even war. However, the addictive qualities of these drugs pose significant concerns. Individuals who do not have a legitimate need for these drugs often become addicted due to their effects.
Currently, there is no means of quantifying the actual amount of pharmaceutical drugs available in the U.S. Illegal diversion occurs through methods such as thefts from individuals, thefts from manufacturers, thefts from dispensaries, prescription fraud, doctor shopping, and illegal Internet sales. As a result, measuring progress against reducing pharmaceutical diversion remains challenging.
The Business of Painkilling
Recognizing that for years, doctors neglected to include pain management in patient care, the medical profession has adopted a new, more aggressive approach to treating pain since 1990. Congress passed legislation in 2000 calling for a decade of pain control research, and new standards were issued by the National Accrediting Board in 2001. The most widely abused prescription drugs include oxycodone and hydrocodone (Vicodin & Lortab), which are often viewed as safe since they are approved by the FDA.
The Drug Approval Dilemma
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the approval of new drugs, acting as both a blessing and a curse. Issues like Thalidomide could have been prevented with better FDA oversight, but the tests and waiting periods for drug approvals often slow their market introduction. For example, the drug Misoprostol faced delays that likely resulted in about 10,000 unnecessary deaths.
Adverse Reactions
A 1998 study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) estimated that of the 30 million people hospitalized each year, around 100,000 die from adverse reactions to legal prescription drugs. Factors contributing to this include haphazard warnings, an emphasis on benefits over risks, a general ignorance about potential issues, and downplaying negative outcomes.
Domestic Marijuana Cultivation
Due to its ability to grow in almost all 50 U.S. states, domestic marijuana cultivation significantly contributes to the nation's overall drug production. Despite potentially long prison sentences, marijuana growing seems to be on the rise. The most active states for cultivation operations include California, Hawaii, Kentucky, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia.
The cultivation and potency of marijuana have risen, aided by indoor cultivation methods that help growers avoid detection. However, foreign marijuana remains more widely consumed than domestic varieties, largely due to the rise of Mexican cartels.
Types of Domestic Marijuana
- Indian hemp
- Commercial-grade marijuana
- Sinsemilla
- Hashish
The use of cloning and hydroponics in marijuana production has been beneficial for domestic growers.
Domestic Drug Scams
Several scams related to drugs have emerged, including the fat lady scam, breath cancer scam, toothache scam, and altered-scrip scam. The involvement of doctors in these scams poses additional risks within the healthcare system.
Paper For Above Instructions
The interplay between legitimate drug production and its impact on drug abuse in the United States is a significant concern that spans various dimensions of public health and law enforcement. The pharmaceutical industry, while essential in providing necessary medication, is also a vital player in the conversation about drug abuse and addiction. With the advent of new regulations and public health initiatives aimed at educating both healthcare providers and the public, it remains crucial to balance the necessity for effective pain management with the risk of addiction and abuse.
Statistics show that over 20 million Americans aged 12 or older reported using prescription pain relievers for non-medical reasons in 2019 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2020). Such alarming numbers underscored the importance of understanding not only the role of healthcare providers but also the systems that allow for the diversion of pharmaceuticals. Transparency within pharmaceutical companies and rigorous monitoring of prescription practices are necessary measures that could mitigate these issues.
Furthermore, the rise of domestic marijuana cultivation highlights the complexities involved in drug production within legal frameworks. While public attitudes towards marijuana use have shifted in favor of legalization, the drug's production, whether domestic or foreign, continues to present challenges. The increase in marijuana cultivation, especially in states that have legalized its use, suggests a need for robust regulations to deter illegal growing operations that circumvent state laws. The medical use of marijuana has benefitted many patients, yet illegal production can undermine the achievements made in harm reduction.
As noted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA, 2021), the potency of domestically grown marijuana has increased, putting consumers at risk of overconsumption and dependence. This trend exemplifies the importance of consumer education, especially among young adults, regarding the dangers of recreational drug use, including marijuana. Educational initiatives are imperative in changing public perception about the risks associated with higher-potency marijuana (Miech et al., 2019).
The presence of counterfeit drugs and illicit internet sales of medications further exacerbates the issue of pharmaceutical diversion. Online pharmacy scams have proliferated, making it exceedingly difficult for regulators to track prescriptions accurately. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP, 2020) has reported that many online pharmacies operate without necessary licenses and engage in practices that jeopardize patient safety.
Moreover, ongoing research into effective pain management strategies is vital for reducing reliance on opioids and preventing abuse. The CDC (2019) recommends that healthcare providers explore alternative pain management techniques, including physical therapy and non-opioid medications, thereby minimizing the need for potentially addictive medications. Raising awareness and providing training in non-pharmacological approaches can equip healthcare providers with the resources needed to serve their patients better.
In conclusion, the rapport between drug production and drug abuse in society necessitates comprehensive and multifaceted approaches. Implementing effective educational programs, enforcing legal regulations, and fostering transparency in the pharmaceutical industry are all fundamental to addressing the ongoing challenges of drug abuse. By collectively acknowledging the role of various stakeholders—including healthcare providers, law enforcement, pharmaceutical companies, and consumers—we can work towards a balanced approach to drug use and abuse in modern society.
References
- Miech, R., Johnston, L., O'Malley, P., Bachman, J.G., & Schulenberg, J. (2019). Trends in adolescent marijuana use: A US-based study. Journal of Adolescent Health, 65(6), 740-747.
- NABP. (2020). Internet drug outlets: A challenge for pharmacists and patients. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
- NIDA. (2021). Marijuana Research Report: Is marijuana safe and effective as medicine? National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- SAMHSA. (2020). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- CDC. (2019). CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain—United States, 2016. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.