It is amazing to me the amount of drugs that I find when I am called to list a unit and help clear it out. Twice I have taken BAGS of opioids and needles, to the CVS on Sheridan who will dispose of unused drugs. Granted, these folks were in a lot of pain toward the end of their lives, but the quantity is what blew me away! One guy had tons of drugs that had expired years ago but kept them, “just in case”.
I have also seen up close and personal what happens when someone gets hooked on steroids. I lost two male friends because of that medication. Both started working out a lot, which was great, but then they turned to steroids which totally changed not only their looks, but also their personalities. They both developed muscle dysmorphia and the moon-face common to frequent users. Both also turned into aggressive, bloated, histrionic blowhards, and it was just too uncomfortable to be around them. I had to laugh when a neighbor adamantly disputed the fact that one of the guys was on steroids, saying “He goes to the gym every day!” Okay, if you want to start taking steroids, where would be the logical place to find them?!
Television ads are a good indication of how drug obsessed we are. There is a pill for everything. I honestly believe in the holistic approach when possible. I believe acupuncture works. And I swear by essential oils. They have been around for centuries for a reason. I will put Young Living Panaway oil up against any and every topical pain cream. The stuff WORKS!
But of course, I am a strong believer in medication when it works on the symptoms without offsetting side effects. Most of the drug commercials on TV have so many warnings at the end, some should just say, “Ask your doctor, if death is right for you.” Kidding. BUT I remember a commercial for a drug that treated agoraphobia, which basically is a fear of being around people. I swear I am not making this up…some of the side effects included body odor and bad breath. Seriously?!
I recently read an article about opioids and it’s possible link to dementia. Here is a condensed version.
Dementia Risk and Common Medications: What You Need to Know
More than 55 million people around the world are living with dementia, a condition that gradually impairs memory, thinking, and behavior. While the exact cause of dementia remains unclear, emerging research has linked certain medications to an increased risk of developing the disease.Some of the drugs in your medicine cabinet, intended to make you feel better, could potentially raise your dementia risk, especially when used long-term or in high doses.
One class of concern is anticholinergic drugs, which include common medications like Benadryl. These drugs are often used to treat allergies, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, overactive bladder, and motion sickness. They work by blocking acetylcholine, a brain chemical critical for learning and memory. In one study, people who took anticholinergic drugs daily for three years or more had nearly a 50% higher risk of dementia.
Opioids, widely prescribed for chronic pain, have also been linked to cognitive decline. A large study of over a million people found that long-term opioid use was associated with a 15% increase in dementia risk.
Another concern is the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, commonly used for acid reflux. Animal studies suggest that PPIs may increase the buildup of beta-amyloid, a protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Finally, benzodiazepines, a class of sedatives that includes Valium and Xanax, are frequently prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders. Long-term use has been linked to a higher risk of dementia as well.
It’s important not to stop any prescribed medication without medical guidance. Drugs like opioids and benzodiazepines can cause serious withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly. Always talk to your doctor before making changes to your medication regimen.
