Rise In Drug Addictions — Rise In Health Care Costs? Coincidence?
:: Rant Mode On ::
Right up front, let me say that I’m not for drug addiction of any kind. But it does seem very hypocritical of Those In Charge (whoever they might actually be) to be so blind as to the causes of drug addiction (and I’m including alcohlism with drug addicts, as well). According to a recently released report by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), by 2017, one out every five dollars spent in America will be on health care.
And Those In Charge wonder why there is a rise in drug addiction. Could it be because getting street drugs or alcohol is a hell of a lot cheaper than going to the doctor? Naaaahhh, couldn’t be. Must be those terrorists and left-wingers, eh?
Why Are We Not Rioting In The Streets?
Well, we aren’t rioting in the streets because of this insanity because we are too tired, in too much pain and are mainly too drugged up to do much of anything constructive. Believe me, you don’t want to ever try to organize a Million Migraineur March. You’ll be lucky if a baker’s dozen show up in dark sunglasses vomiting into buckets. Well, that definately would make somebody in Washington scared.
And yes, there are people who become drug addicts in an attempt to medicate chronic pain conditions such as migraines and severe chronic headaches. That’s kind of why I’m banging on about this. When you get into such chronic pain and discover that you cannot afford to go get treatment, you can wind up feeling so helpless that drug addiction sounds like a good deal.
Here’s a Thought
Hey, if we could lower the cost of stuff — mainly health care — do you think that might be a good incentive for people not to turn to illegal (and legal) drugs in the first place?
For example, there’s program for homeless alcoholics in Seattle that has decided to give housing first and THEN give rehabilitation. The effects have been that alcoholics drink a lot less — and has saved the city some two to three million dollars.
Health care is a basic need, just like housing and food. We should be able to get it legally through doctors instead of having no choice BUT to turn to addiction as a way to kill the pain.
:: Rant mode off ::
February 28th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Good post Rena. If proper health care and medication is not available, people will self medicate.
February 28th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Cheers. Sometimes I wonder if anyone reads this blog other than myself
April 29th, 2008 at 10:21 am
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