signs of addiction: Florida Prescription Drug Task Force Begins Its Work

On April 19th, 2012, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed HB 227 into law, which created the Statewide Task Force on Prescription Drug Abuse and Newborns. While the title seems broad the task force is specifically focussed on researching the effects of prescription drugs on newborn babies and what can be done to curb negative consequences.

Prescription drugs have effects on expectant mothers in a number of ways that many people do not consider. One of the less obvious ways is that public water supplies often contain prescription drugs that were not properly filtered out from recycled sewage water.

One of the worst and widely recognized ways this effects mothers is the countless amount of drug addicts who find themselves pregnant every year. Even the knowledge of entering into motherhood is not enough for some people to quit their drug problems. However, lots of people tend to put to much focus on this aspect of the issue while it is only a part of the overall problem.

One of the largest and under-reported aspects of this problem is towards mothers and potential mothers who are legally prescribed prescription drugs. Millions of American women take anti-depression drugs, stimulants, or painkillers and many take them as suggested and do not show signs of addiction. However this leads to a difficult situation when someone who has been taking anti-depressants for years is going to be a mother. These drugs can have consequences on a developing fetus and also create a lot of stress and anxiety for a pregnant woman who is trying to cut down on them to prevent the drugs from affecting their pregnancy.

Over the coming months this taskforce will meet to discuss all these issues and make recommendations for preventing these problems and providing treatment for newborn children of those that are suffering from prescription drug addiction.

What steps the task force will take to protect people from such a difficult situation is unknown; however there is already numerous opportunities existing today in community organizers, self-help groups, and addiction treatment programs for pregnant drug addicts. Perhaps more so than any other situation involving a hardcore addiction to drugs, it is of utmost importance for pregnant drug addicts to speak honestly to their healthcare providers and seek addiction treatment. When fear and mistrust prevent a mother from being completely honest about their problems, the consequences can be quite severe. If you or someone you know is facing parenthood while suffering from addiction, please contact a drug addiction treatment program right away to see what can be done as soon as possible to find a way to replace a craving for drugs with a desire to create a strong, healthy family.

Addictions – Dr. Tim Gooden, an addictionologist from Brookwood Medical Center, discusses addictions. Addiction is the physical and psychological dependence on substances, behaviors or activities which create negative consequences. Dr. Gooden discusses and answers viewer questions regarding addictive behaviors, how to recognize the signs of addiction, and support and treatment options that can help people who are suffering from addictions.

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