Prescription Drug Abuse

The reading titled “Blogging for Better Health” is closely related to my study of prescription drug abuse.  The article tells how many bloggers are now using blogs to provide and retrieve medical information.  Additionally, blogs are being used by mental health bloggers as a way to cope, socially connect, and form identity.  Therefore, blogs can be used as technical support for prescription drug abuse information, as well as emotional support for those coping with drug addiction and the mental health issues that go along with it.

Blogs offer a way for people to provide, research, and gain information on medical issues that may pertain to them.  Blogs can act as testimonials for prescription drugs, and may warn readers of possible risks associated with them.  For example: risks of addiction, overedose, and health problems associated with particular prescription drugs.  Besides the informational aspect, blogs can offer emotional support for drug abusers.

The article gives the argument that blogs can be used as a form of treatment for those requiring emotional support.  For example, cancer patients that suffer from mental health issues can research blogs not only for information, but to get a “more positive attitude” and be more “active in participating in their treatment.”  Prescription drug abuse is closely associated with mental health, and co-exists with it.  Blogging acts very similar to drug abusers seeking emotional support and a positive attitude towards recovery.  According to the article, research shows that, “questioning and reformulating one’s life story can renew a sense of meaning and possibility.” 

Health Insurance 

 K –     I know that national healthcare is one of the main issues in current politics.  The democrats, such as Hillary Clinton, say that everyone deserves and should have healthcare through the government.  Since medical costs are so expensive, many cannot afford health insurance.  There are around 50 million Americans without proper medical insurance.  I know there are also arguments against national healthcare.  For example, national healthcare would raise taxes, may decrease medical quality, and for some, bring an unwanted level of government into our lives

            My audience is anyone who wants to make an educated decision on the issue, voters for the upcoming election who are unsure of their stand on the problem, legislators, and people without healthcare.

W – I want to know how national healthcare would affect other things, including taxes, medical quality, and government control.  I have heard that in Canada, where there is national healthcare, that people may not get the proper or best medical attention.  I want to explore why this is and how it could be prevented.

H – Since this issue is split right down the middle as an argument, I would have to explore both sides.  I would go to websites such as, mediapolicycenter.org.  I would also go to political candidates’ websites to find their views and solutions on the issue.

L – I learned that the problem does not only affect those without health insurance.  It also affects those with insurance companies that do not cover the cost of things like drug prescriptions.  This affects mainly the elderly, and those who especially need help paying for these costs.  I do know much more about the issue, but whether I choose this topic for this class or not, I will still research this issue on my own time to make an educated decision.

  Prescription drug abuse 

K – I know that prescription drugs are the second most illegally abused drug, next to marijuana.  I know that there is an alarming increase in usage among teenagers and young adults.  This generation of young people has the nickname generation Rx.  Drugs such as oxycontin have similar effects to heroin, and have a strong addiction rate.  These drugs are easy to find and easy to abuse.

W – I want to explore ways and ideas on how to stop prescription drug abuse.  I want to know what drug companies are doing or have done to prevent the abuse.  I want to know statistics on young adults abusing the drugs.  I want to know how the government classifies the drug.  I also want to know if any candidates have recognized the issue.

H – I will find information through PittCat and the internet.  Specifically, the whitehousedrugpolicy.gov, FDA.org, www.theantidrug.com, drugfree.org….  

L – I have learned prescription drugs are actually abused more than marijuana by teens.  I have learned that prescription drugs are abused by thousands of 12-13 year olds.  There are countless mind boggling facts associated with this issue.

1.  Universal health care in America

2.  Teenage prescription drug abuse

3.  Alternative Energy