Have you heard of the prescription drug addiction radio show? It’s based in Florida, on WGUL 860 AM. This week’s show – airing on Sunday, September 21st at 9:05 p.m. – is about House of Representatives Bill 6353 which will change the laws on Internet availability of drugs that may cause prescription drug addiction.

The Bill has already been passed by the Senate, but Congress is dragging it’s feet.

OxyContin, Vicodin, Lortab, Duragesic, Methadone, Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Ambien, and Lunesta are on the list, but there are more.

Although the prescription drug addiction epidemic is in no way confined to Florida, rehab centers in that State are inundated with people who have a prescription drug addiction or abuse problem. And nearly 70% of the drug-related deaths in Florida involve a controlled prescription drug like those that are included in the Bill.

On the Internet, these drugs are anything but controlled. It’s easy enough to get the drugs without ever seeing a doctor, no matter how old you are or what symptoms you have. In other words, the Internet has become a haven for drug dealers.

The Bill that would restrict prescription drug trade on the Internet is currently with the House of Representatives but has not yet been put forward for a vote. Make sure you contact your congressperson to make  your voice heard. And if you need help with prescription drug addiction for yourself or a family member, contact a drug addiction treatment center.

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A National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University report says  84% of Internet pharmacies don’t require a prescription. Is it likely that the people buying drugs on these sites are looking for something to help their blood pressure? No – for that they would have a prescription. Chances are we’re looking at the specific drugs that are fuelling the prescription drug addiction epidemic.

Interestingly enough, Go Daddy – which focuses primarily on domain name registration plans  and Web site design and hosting packages – is taking an interest in helping to handle this problem. In 2007 their abuse department suspended 1,300 sites that sell prescription drugs without a prescription. They also said that most don’t even require age verification.

Go Daddy has challenged other companies that offer the same or similar products to do the same. Only recently has keeping the Internet safe included preventing prescription drug addiction, dependency and abuse. Kids who used to have their parents’ credit cards to download music are now ordering drugs. And, chances are, they’re also giving them to their friends.

If you find out your kids doing the same, look for a drug addiction treatment center that can help them get through drug detox, drug rehab and any other services they need.

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