Sober Living by the Sea Blog

Seizures Like Demi Moore's Not Uncommon After Smoking Spice

mhurst220 — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:59:12 -0800

The recent hospitalization of Demi Moore has put the focus on the synthetic drug known as "Spice." While it's not known for sure what the 49-year-old actress ingested, the 911 tape that was released to the press revealed that she was experiencing a seizure after smoking an incense-like substance. During the course of the call, people who were with Moore described her as having convulsions, shaking and "burning up." These are all side effects associated with a designer drug sold under a variety of names, including:

Spice
K2
Red X
Dawn
Blaze

Spice and similar products consist of plant material that has been sprayed with a chemical compound that is intended to mimic the effects of marijuana. These products are sold legally in head shops, convenience stores and over the Internet, packaged as incense with instructions that they are not intended to be smoked. This warning only serves to protect the manufacturer and retailer since the substance is definitely being purchased to smoke.

According to researchers at the University of Utah, smoking Spice can be responsible for toxic side effects not typically seen with marijuana, including:
•    Tachyarrhythmia (a dangerously elevated heart rate)
•    Increased blood pressure
•    Vomiting
•    Anxiety attacks
•    Disorientation
•    Psychosis
•    Seizures

Emergency rooms are seeing patients with no history of neurological problems who experience their first seizure after smoking Spice. Because so little is known about synthetic cannabinoids, doctors have not yet identified what it is about the Spice and similar substances that can cause seizures.

Part of the appeal of Spice is that it leaves no trace in the body. This makes it attractive to drug parolees and other people who are subject to commercial drug screens. Spice also appeals to teenagers and young adults because it is easily accessible. Despite the wide availability of these products, users are putting themselves at great risk because the chemicals used are unknown and untested. Someone who buys the product has no idea exactly what they're ingesting.
Starting in 2009, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency began to see a surge in reports related to Spice from poison control centers, hospital emergency rooms and law enforcement agencies. In an attempt to stem the use of Spice, the DEA used its emergency scheduling authority and classified five synthetic cannabinoids as schedule I drugs. This makes possession and sale of these drugs illegal in the U.S. This emergency scheduling will remain in effect until March of 2012 and may be extended.

One of the biggest problems faced by the DEA is that new Spice products containing different chemical formulas are emerging, making it almost impossible to control their production and distribution.

Sativex - Marijuana Based Prescription Painkiller Spray coming

mhurst220 — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:45:00 -0800

The drug is made with raw marijuana and provides the following benefits:

analgesic
anticonvulsant
antipsychotic
anti-spasmodic
anti-inflammatory
appetite stimulation

The drug will contain the potent components of marijuana (cannabidiol and delta-9 THC).

The drug will be sued as an mouth spray and is intended to reduce pain for cancer patients.

The most common side effects are:

fatigue
dizziness
anxiety
confusion
rapid heartbeat
intoxication
depression

The drug has the potential for abuse, and we are wary after the experience of treating so many who've succumbed to addiction to other prescription drugs.

Israeli Company Teva to Join the Super Strong Hydrocone Party

mhurst220 — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:14:01 -0800

We are concerned about this new drug which we first heard about as Zohydro

which Zogenix from nearby San Diego has announced plans to release.

This new version of Vicodin

will be more than 4 times as powerful, containing 45 milligrams of hydrocodone instead of 10 grams.

Guess who else is developing a version of the drug? Purdue Pharma - controversial makers of OxyContin and now OxyNEO.

The drug will be "time release" and hopefully be designed in a way to prevent tampering with this mechanism.

One thing we can be sure of - the drug will be addictive and will be found in the system of people who tragically overdose. Such is the story of narcotic painkillers.

Overtaken Filmmakers and Stars Visit our Treatment Center

mhurst220 — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:10:00 -0800

We've written about 'Overtaken' before and had much anticipation to see it. Our wish was granted when the film was uploaded to Youtube last month. (click to play - on the left side bottom of this page).

On Monday, January 29th 2012, the "Overtaken" Filmmakers Jodi Barber and Christine Brant visited our treatment center to show the film to our clients and discuss the epidemic of prescription drug addiction.

Jodi and Christine address our clients and staff with Jarrod's portrait hanging in the background. Jarrod overdosed at age 19 on Opana and other drugs.

From a Grave Loss into Positive Action

The experience was very powerful and moving both for our staff and our clients. The presentation started off with Jodi and Christine discussing some of the background on the film. Jodi and Christine met when Jodi was placing posters in public spaces to warn families about the dangers of prescription drugs. She began this crusade after the tragic overdose of her son Jarrod (on January 8th 2010). Christine and Jodi then worked together on this incredibly poignant film about the young people of South Orange County whose lives have been affected by these very addictive "medications."

Today, one day after the 2 year anniversary of his overdose, Jodi stood in front of the clients and staff of our treatment center to spread a warning and a message of hope: prescription pills are addictive and deadly.

The film itself is breathtaking and moving. In my opinion the film should be mandatory viewing for all students in the United States (ages 12 and up). In fact, it should be shown to all parents as well. I simply cannot think of a better way to raise awareness about how this epidemic of addiction and overdose is quietly invading families everywhere and destroying them from the inside out.

Cole and his friend did a great job representing how great life can be after quitting using prescription drugs.

After the film was over, Jodi and Christine took more questions and introduced Cole (who is featured prominently in the movie). Cole and a sober female friend took questions and each shared their experience, strength and hope with the audience. Hearing about the lows and the highs of their addiction and then recovery reinforced that there is hope - as long as you are still alive that is. We hope that everyone who is reading this remembers this:

Prescription painkiller addiction kills. One experiment can end your life.

If you are struggling with addiction, or care for someone who may be, we strongly suggest you take action immediately by seeking professional help.

We are here to support the team from Overtaken and hope to see their cause grow to great heights. We cannot thank them enough for their visit.

View the film here:

Our clinical director Evan thanks the women behind the film Overtaken for coming and addressing our clients.

Christine hugs a client who is thanking her for sharing such a powerful film.

How Parents Can Help Teens Resist Peer Pressure

mhurst220 — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:40:13 -0800

Ask the parents of teenagers what bothers them most about their teen and the answer is likely to be the constant debates and arguments. As painful as these disputes may be, they are a sign of healthy development. Teens become more independent and separate from their parents by questioning their decisions and authority.

There are a lot of signs that addiction is taking its toll on the youth, like:

New research suggests that besides helping teens to become independent, healthy disagreements with their parents may bring additional benefits in terms of peer pressure. Parents who remain calm and reasonable during arguments are setting an example that will help their children resist peer pressure.

The research, which was reported in Child Development, is based on interviews with more than 150 teens and parents. Interview questions focused on substance abuse, family interactions and relationships with friends. Researchers found that parents who avoid yelling and allow their teenagers to participate in discussions on hot topics like money, grades and friends are teaching their teens how to express themselves and politely disagree.

Data from the study indicates that teens who have learned to argue calmly and persuasively are better equipped to say "no" when offered drugs or alcohol by their peers. In fact, they are 40% more likely to avoid substance abuse altogether. In addition, parents who yell and use threats and insults to win arguments are likely to have children who are passive and who lack confidence when it comes to standing up for their beliefs. These children are also more passive with their peers and are more likely to say "yes" when pressured to use drugs and alcohol.

The findings of this new study support earlier studies that have found that parents who respect their child's input and opinions are more likely to raise children who are independent thinkers and resistant to peer pressure.

If you are the parent of a teenager, it's important to remember to listen to your teen. Even if you don't agree with what your teen is saying, you should acknowledge when he or she makes a good point. This will help your child learn how to persuade other people to see their point of view. As painful as arguing with your teen may be, if you set an example for effective disagreement you will be helping your teen avoid the problems with drugs and alcohol that are so common among this age group. Being able to remain calm and persuasive while arguing will also help your teen with personal and professional relationships throughout his or her lifetime.

New California Cough Medicine Law to Curb Robotripping

mhurst220 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:40:40 -0800

A new law went into effect on January 1 which will ban the sale of powerful cough suppressants to those under the age of 18. The targeted medications contain an ingredient called dextromethorphan (known as DXM) which when consumed in large quantities produces intoxication, a euphoric high and hallucinations.

DXM is contained in many popular over-the-counter medicines including Robitussin-DM, Mucinex-DM, NyQuil and Coricidin. Among teenagers, taking larger than prescribed doses of these medicines in order to get high is known as robotripping, dexing or skittling.

Drug experts have called DXM a "poor man's PCP" because of its hallucinogenic effects.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association reports that as many as 10% of U.S. teenagers are thought to have tried robotripping. DXM abuse is more common among this age group than cocaine, ecstasy, LSD or methamphetamine. According to the California Poison Control System, calls related to DXM abuse by children under the age of 17 have increase by 850% over the past decade.

Although DXM is safe when taken in recommended doses, in higher doses it can cause these side effects:
•    Involuntary muscle movements
•    Rapid heartbeat
•    Seizures
•    Liver damage
•    Death (can occur in rare cases when DXM is used with other drugs)

The new California law, known as State Senate Bill 514, was unanimously passed by California lawmakers. Since 2004, laws related to the restriction of DXM sales have been introduced in the U.S. Congress and in several other states without success. Legislation has previously been opposed by manufacturers represented by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, but that organization is now in favor of restricting sales of DXM.

Some parents don't believe the new law is strong enough. The San Francisco Chronicle reported on the case of a San Rafael dad named Mark Dale whose 16-year-old son was rushed to the emergency room when he became disoriented and was unable to say speak. Dale was unaware of "robotripping" before his son confessed to abusing cough medicine with DXM. His son, who has tried twice to commit suicide by overdosing on DXM, is now in a residential treatment center.

Dale is concerned that kids can still shoplift cold medicines or steal them from home medicine cabinets. He would like to see DXM classified as a controlled substance and available only with a prescription, or required pharmacies to keep it behind the counter. A 2005 law requires pharmacies to keep decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine behind the counter because it is used to make methamphetamine.

Irvine Doctor Loses Medical License for Irresponsible Prescriptions

mhurst220 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:05:00 -0800

We've been trying to raise awareness for a long time about the dangers of the prescription drug addiction epidemic.

One thing that is promising is that the "powers that be" seem to really have begun cracking down on irresponsible doctors.

Dr. Darius Javanshir, has lost his medical license after he recklessly overprescribed painkillers (propoxyphene) and anti anxiety medication (lorazepam or Ativan).

Dr. Darius practiced at the following locations:

1884 Business Center Dr

San Bernardino, CA 92408

and

33 Creek Rd Ste B-200

Irvine, CA 92604

... and he prescribed 720 tablets of propoxyphene and 330 tablets of Ativan to an unidentified patient that subsequently overdosed on the medication.

Dr. Javanshir has been on the radar for irresponsibly prescribing narcotic drugs since 1995 and has been sanctioned multiple times.

Although the patient has not been identified by name, it is known that his issues included:

depression
anxiety
back pain
cocaine addiction

So, clearly, Dr. Javanshir should have intervened and gotten his client help for the habit forming medications rather than prescribe over 1100 pills in one fell swoop.

We applaud the California Medical Board for this action.

Zohydro- New "Pure Vicodin" Painkiller Will Be Highly Addictive.

mhurst220 — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:02:05 -0800

Addiction experts are already on the alert about a new pain medication that's currently in the final stages of development. The new drug contains a pure version of hydrocone, a highly addictive narcotic painkiller, and is reported to be 10 times stronger than Vicodin. There are fears that a surge of abuse will follow release of the drug.

Four companies are now testing the drug on patients. Zogenix, a San Diego company, plans to begin selling the drug in early 2013 under the name Zohydro. This will mark the first time that patients will have access to pure hydrocodone. There are dozens of existing medications that contain hydrocone (like Vicodin), but all combine it with another drug such as Acetaminophen.

Zohydro will be extremely habit forming

Hydrocodone is a member of a category of drugs known as opiates. These drugs, which are similar to opium, include other pharmaceutical drugs like oxycodone (marketed as OxyContin), codeine, and methadone as well as illegal drugs like heroin and morphine. The DEA reports that hydrocodone is the second most abused prescription drug in the nation, with oxycodone in first place as the most abused drug.

Critics of Zohydro are especially concerned that the drug has a time-released formula. OxyContin was initially released with a similar formula and quickly became the drug of choice for substance abusers who crush the pills for a more intense effect. Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, recently reformulated the drug to make it crush-resistant. According to CBS News, this has caused many former OxyContin addicts to switch over to oxycodone and other drugs that are not time released. Purdue Pharma is also developing its own version of the new hydrocodone drug and has applied for a patent for extended release technology for the new drug.

Opiate-based painkillers have caused a national epidemic of abuse that has resulted in hundreds of pharmacy robberies and violent crimes as well as drug overdoses and deaths. The CDC reports that prescription painkillers caused more than 15,000 deaths in 2008 as well as more than 86,000 emergency room visits. Treatment for prescription painkiller abuse has risen by more than 430% over the past decade.

According to a 2008 study by the International Narcotics Control Board, the U.S. currently accounts for 99% of the world's hydrocodone consumption. April Rovero, president of the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, has expressed concern that this new drug could represent the next OxyContin. "We just don't need this on the market," said Rovero.

Trey Anastasio from PHISH talks about Drug Court

mhurst220 — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:05:00 -0800

Trey is an amazingly talented guitarist who just keeps getting better and better with time.

Trey was arrested in 2006 ago for possession and driving under the influence of narcotic painkillers and subsequently was sentenced to drug court.

Trey, who introduces himself as "a recovering alcoholic and a proud graduate of the Washington County Drug Court Program," states that "I believe that the police officer who arrested me that December Morning saved my life."

Trey goes on to discuss the difficulties of quitting drugs by his own willpower and how the Drug Court system was a much improved experience compared to a jail sentence.

Here is the video:

The Truth about Pathological Lying

mhurst220 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:31:28 -0800

The lies may be extremely far-fetched and out of proportion to reality. In many cases the lies will hurt the person who tells them, making a pathological liar's behavior incomprehensible to most people.

In an article on the Psychiatric Times website, Dr. Charles Dike of the Yale University School of Medicine describes a case study for a patient he calls Mr. A who was facing loss of his job due to lying. Mr. A told co-workers that he had been diagnosed with an incurable disease. People in his workplace were initially concerned and supportive, but as weeks passed they became suspicious about the nature of his illness. He began to tell increasingly outrageous lies to cover up previous lies. When he could no longer take the pressure, he stopped going to work. While it may seem that he told the original lie to elicit sympathy, in the end he suffered consequences that included extreme anxiety and potential loss of his job. Adding to Mr. A's problems was the fact that he had lost other jobs in the past and his personal life was suffering because of his lying. He was aware that his behavior was not normal but felt that he could not control his lying, so he sought psychiatric help.

This case illustrates some of the common traits associated with pathological lying (also referred to as mythomania or morbid lying):
•    Excessive lying that is easy to verify as untrue.
•    Lies are told that bring no benefit and may be harmful to the liar.
•    The behavior is repeated again and again with no regard for consequences.
•    Pathological liars often can't seem to tell truth from lies and may contradict themselves when questioned.

Although pathological lying has been recognized by mental health experts for more than a hundred years, there has been a limited amount of research dedicated to the disorder. One study of1000 juvenile offenders cited by Dr. Dike found that about 1% were affected by pathological lying. The behavior began on average at age 16 and was detected by age 22. Males and females seem to be equally affected by the disorder.

The Mayo Clinic categorizes pathological lying as belonging to the spectrum of behaviors known as Antisocial Personality Disorder (formerly referred to as Sociopathic). Other symptoms of this personality disorder include blatant disregard for the feelings and safety of others, aggressive or violent behavior and recurring problems with law enforcement and other authority figures. Antisocial Personality Disorder is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Neglect, abuse and trauma in childhood can increase the risk of developing this personality disorder.

People who appear to be suffering from pathological lying should consult a health care provider or mental health professional. Because it is a chronic condition that occurs throughout adulthood, long-term treatment is often needed. Treatment approaches include psychotherapy, medication and hospitalization. Untreated, this condition can cause significant damage to both the person with the disorder and to their families, friends and colleagues.

Sober Living St. Louis Office Publishes Opinion On Treatment Policy

mhurst220 — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:10:00 -0800

Bert Emmons (pictured, right) works with clients in our St. Louis (Kirkwood) facility and has been helping men and women get the help they need to start (and continue) a life of sobriety that is grounded in the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (read more about our St.Louis treatment consultation office).

Bert recently had a letter published on the "stltoday.com" website which made some really good points. Bert's letter (which is fourth down the page here) is in response to another (excellent) writing by Ned Presnall, MSW LCSW, who writes about the heroin epidemic affecting St. Louis here.

Here is Bert's published response:

Addicts need ongoing managed care, support

The commentary "Treatment for heroin addicts is essential" (Nov. 22) said, "... 30-, 60- or 90-day treatment programs [do not] adequately prepare [heroin addicts] to re-enter their natural environment and successfully manage the risk of relapse...." It said such treatment programs set "arbitrary limitations on the length of treatment" and implies that such programs do not support "continuous care."

The reality is that the great majority of those programs identify drug and alcohol addiction as incurable illnesses that can be mitigated only by adhering to time-tested techniques of life-long disease management. The best encourage patients to complete a prescribed course of treatment at an appropriate level of care and to continue recovery through appropriate medical interventions and "mutual support programs." Adherents to the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Al-Anon, which the commentary calls insufficient, continue to participate in such programs because they believe that they are the best route to a sustained recovery.

Medication-assisted treatment can be helpful to many addicts, but as determined years ago by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, no single treatment method is appropriate for every person. Those of us who are committed to helping people addicted to alcohol or other drugs should support the availability of more treatment options, not fewer.

Society will be better off when there is a better understanding that addictions to mood-altering chemicals are diseases that affect the entire family, that treating the addict and the family works and that investment in treatment pays huge dividends in returning people to healthy, productive lives. More treatment, not less, is essential.

Bert Emmons • Kirkwood

Consultant, Sober Living St. Louis

Newt Gingrich - Big Book Thumper?

mhurst220 — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:40:00 -0800

In this Youtube video, Newt Gingrich discusses a "hollow" feeling that he experienced at a previous time in his life (not specified how long ago).

At that time, a banker friend of his from Georgia gave him "the two books that make up Alcoholics Anonymous." It is not clear if he is referring to the two "sections" of the Big Book or if he is referring to the Big Book and the "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions." Newt indicates that he did not himself struggle with alcoholism.

Newt continues to describe the transformative effect it had upon him and goes on to say:

"Had I not had that intervention, I might have collapsed totally. That was the beginning of turning my life around."

No matter what you may think of Newt's ideologies (or personal life choices), he is a unique and strong individual and currently appears to be the GOP candidate of choice for 2012.

Watch the video to see the footage:

ER Visits Related to Energy Drinks Soar

mhurst220 — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:01:22 -0800

We've covered the (now illegal) Four Loko alcohol energy drink phenomenon. Obviously, combining high doses of caffeine with alcohol is a recipe for disaster. Here is some new proof:

According to a new government study, more than 13,000 U.S. emergency room visits in 2009 were due to issues related to highly caffeinated drinks like Red Bull, Rockstar and Monster. This represents 10 times the number of similar cases that were treated in 2005. The study, which was conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), also found that in nearly half the ER cases, energy drinks were mixed with alcohol or other drugs.

The popularity of energy drinks has skyrocketed in the past decade, with sales of energy drinks increasing by 240% between 2004 and 2009. The health issues that are associated with these flavored drinks is due to the high levels of caffeine the drinks contains, with some containing up to 500 mg of caffeine in an 12-ounce. This compares to about 100 mg of caffeine in the average 5-ounce cup of coffee. High doses of caffeine can cause high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and dehydration. Many people experience high levels of anxiety due to the elevated heart rate that comes with high levels of caffeine consumption.

Energy drinks are marketed to the young. The SAMHSA found that as many as 50% of children, teens and young adults consume them on a regular basis. Between 2005 and 2009, 52% of ER visits that were related to energy drinks involved people aged 18 to 25. The study also found that men are more than twice as likely to mix energy drinks with alcohol and illicit drugs while women are more likely to combine the drinks with prescription medication.

Energy drinks that were sold premixed with alcohol received widespread focus over the past year following a rash of hospitalizations for extreme intoxication. Consumers of a drink called Four Loko, which combined up to 12% alcohol by volume with caffeine, reported a reduction of sensations typically associated with alcohol. A rash of cases where young people drank Four Loko to the point of extreme intoxication led to a ban in several states. In late 2010, the makers of Four Loco reintroduced the product minus caffeine.

The SAMHSA study points out that there are still serious risks associated with energy drinks even when they're not sold in alcoholic form and that consumers of energy drinks are mixing the drink with other substances on their own. The authors of the study warn that combining energy drink consumption with substance abuse can lead to life-threatening conditions. There is also a greater likelihood of injury due to risky behavior such as driving under the influence.

Pop Music Promotes Alcohol and Drug Abuse

mhurst220 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:41:11 -0800

Parents of pre-teens and teenagers who spend several hours each week listening to popular music and watching music videos may be surprised to learn that as many as one third of songs in certain genres promote the use of alcohol and drugs.

In a study just released by Dartmouth Medical School, pediatrician James D. Sargent analyzed 793 songs from Billboard charts starting in 2005 and found that 160 songs (about 21%) referred explicitly to alcohol. The study found that the majority of songs that referenced alcohol were rap, followed by R&B/hip-hop and country. About 42 percent of the lyrics referred to alcohol in a positive way and mentioned specific alcohol brands. The brands in most cases are associated with advertising that depicts a luxury lifestyle of drug use, partying, sex, and wealth.

An earlier study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that music listened to by teenagers aged 15 to 18 affects long-term attitudes and behaviors. That study looked at 279 top Billboard songs and found that 33 percent included explicit substance abuse references. The majority of these songs linked substance abuse with positive sexual, financial and emotional rewards.

Artists Profit from Alcohol References

Because the FTC does not require alcohol companies to disclose how they spend money for advertising, it's unknown how many artists and music companies are accepting payment for lyrics that extol alcohol. The Dartmouth study mentions a lucrative deal signed by Busta Rhymes and P. Diddy for their 2002 hit "Pass the Courvoisier." The song was credited with increasing sales for Allied Domecq, maker of Courvoisier, by 19 percent.

Young Jeezy (pictured) has an endorsement deal with Belvedere Vodka

The Los Angeles Times reports that many rappers are taking their endorsement of alcohol to another level by creating their own vanity alcohol labels. In the video for Pitbull's song "Give Me Everything," the rapper is shown pouring a glass of Voli vodka. Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Perez, is part owner of the Voli brand. Other rap artists who are part owners of liquor brands include Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg and Ludacris.

Music Contest Presents the Other Side of Substance Abuse

To counteract the influence of popular music that promotes the use of alcohol or drugs, the National Institute on Drug Abuse recently partnered with the Grammy Foundation to sponsor a music contest. Young songwriters were asked to submit original songs that accurately depict the risks of substance abuse and promote a healthy lifestyle.
The winners of the contest were a pair of young songwriters identified only as Harvie and Amanda who have experienced substance abuse firsthand and were still in treatment when they entered the contest. Their song expressed the sense of hope that treatment can bring to young people who are struggling with addiction. Their song which is really catch can be heard here: MusicCares and GRAMMY Foundation Substance Abuse Awareness Winners.

Epidemic of Newborns Addicted to Prescription Painkillers

mhurst220 — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:37:28 -0800

Healthcare professionals across the U.S. are seeing an epidemic of babies born addicted to prescription painkillers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the nation's fastest growing drug problem is prescription drug abuse. With the increase in the number of women who abuse prescription opiate painkillers like OxyContin, Percocet and Vicodin has come a corresponding rise in the number of babies born addicted to these drugs.
In Florida, which has been described as the epicenter of prescription drug abuse, Attorney General Pam Bondi has asked legislators to develop prevention strategies to stem the tide of drug-exposed newborns. In a recent USA Today article, Bondi described how the sight of babies writhing in pain during withdrawal at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa "broke her heart."

There are currently no national statistics on how many babies go through painkiller withdrawal, but reports from many areas show that the rate of addicted newborns has doubled or tripled in the past decade. According to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, nearly 1,400 babies were born with withdrawal symptoms in the state in 2010. This is a possible indicator of the extent of the problem that other states will experience in the future.

According to Lewis Rubin, directory of newborn services at Tampa General Hospital, babies who are exposed to several months of drug use in the womb experience withdrawal a few days after birth. Opiate withdrawal is one of the most severe forms of drug withdrawal. Like an adult who quits drugs cold turkey, addicted babies vomit, twitch, experience severe pain and have diarrhea. They have trouble breathing and eating. Doctors treat infant withdrawal with morphine, methadone and other narcotic drugs. It can require weeks for these babies to completely withdraw from all drugs.

Many women who are pregnant mistakenly believe that prescription painkillers are not harmful to their baby. Women who are addicted to these drugs and attempt to quit while pregnant put their baby at risk of pre-natal withdrawal and seizures; they also are at greater risk of miscarriage.

According to a recent article in USA Today, few studies have been completed on the long-term effects of in-utero exposure to prescription painkillers. Some experts believe that the effects are similar to the effects of heroin exposure, including learning and attention deficit problems later in life. Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack from California released a statement in reaction to the USA Today article calling on Congress to take decisive action to limit the distribution of powerful painkillers like OxyContin and Vicodin. Congresswoman Bono Mack, who serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse, has two bills pending to limit access to OxyContin and other oxycodone drugs and require more training for healthcare providers who prescribe them.