EDITORIAL - Beware the dangers of drugs

 

Tomorrow marks the seven year anniversary of the death of international superstar and King of Pop, Michael Jackson. At the time of his demise, the circumstances surrounding his death served to thrust the issue of the abuse of prescribed medicine into the spotlight. The subsequent investigations intrigued many, but people looked upon the entire situation as something that happened only to celebrities, which could in no way impact on their lives. 
 
This impression would certainly have come from the publicity surrounding the numerous cases of celebrity deaths associated with prescribed substances. From as far back as 1962 with the death of Marilyn Monroe, who died from an overdose of sleeping pills; the death of Heath Ledger, who succumbed to a lethal combination of six medicines, including sleep aids, sedatives and painkillers; and the more recent death of Prince, attributed to his misuse of painkillers, Hollywood’s finest have made the abuse of prescription drugs seem like a celebrity affair. Yet, accepting this belief is a definite hazard to one’s health. The fact is that anyone is susceptible to the dangers of drugs and one should never underestimate the potency of any medication or fail to use it in a safe and responsible manner.
 
For instance, most persons are aware that they should read the side effects of medications given to them by medical practitioners, however, fewer people tend to read the warnings about interactions with these drugs. This too is imperative as some substances – no matter how safe – can have harmful effects when combined. It is for similar reasons that patients are urged to divulge their medical circumstances with health-care providers. In addition to this precaution, anyone taking medication is warned not to use another people’s prescribed drugs and should not take any substance prescribed for one ailment to treat another malady.
 
Still, prescription medications are not the only problem; over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, often not thought of as dangerous, also pose a serious problem. Antihistamines, painkillers and cold medicines are some of the easily accessible drugs that, when used incorrectly, can result in severe reactions or even death. It is wise, therefore, to seek the advice of a pharmacist in the case of OTC drugs, before administering any substance.
 
Particular care must also be given to protecting children. With summer vacation soon under way, children will have more opportunity to get into mischief. Parents and guardians are therefore charged with the responsibility of ensuring that medicines do not fall into youngsters’ hands. 
 
In fact, when it comes to children, adults must further ensure that all potentially harmful substances are monitored, whether or not they are considered medications; for instance, common inhalants like paints and thinners have alcohol-like side-effects and can cause sudden death. Concern in this area is justified since findings of a past Barbados Secondary School Survey, which was carried out by the National Council for Substance Abuse, pointed to a slight increase in use of these types of chemicals.   
 
Consequently, especially in the upcoming summer months, parents should monitor children’s actions and provide healthy, entertaining activities in which they can take part.
In the final analysis, both adults and children should develop a healthy “respect/fear” for the power of all drugs and chemicals; for while illegal substances are known to be deadly, legal drugs can be just as lethal.

Barbados Advocate

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