From 1999 to 2010, the suicide rate among Americans ages 35 to 64 rose by nearly 30%. Coincidentally between the years 2007 and 2010, 48.5% of Americans were reported as using at least one prescription drug in a 30 day time period. In Canada, the suicide rate caused the country to be ranked 34th-highest overall among 107 nations.
These numbers are way too high and cause serious concern. Whether suicide touches your life directly through the loss of a loved one or when you hear through the media that a celebrity has taken their own life, too often there are prescription, non-prescription or recreational drugs involved. Some of these victims begin taking drugs for conditions like acne, depression or ADHD while others begin experimenting for the “high”.
As a society, we must become aware of the relationship between drugs of all kinds and their side effects, especially suicide. We must begin to make different choices. While we will not cover all of the scenarios in this article, we will give you just enough information to raise your awareness, provide a wake-up call and possibly help you save a life.
The long list of medications that indicate suicide as a known side effect is alarming. Here is a short list of common prescription drugs that warn against suicide as a side effect and the associated condition for which it is used.
Singulair – Asthma
Prozac – Depression
Lexapro – Depression
Cymbalta – Depression
Celexa – Depression
Abilify – Anti- Psychotic
Accutane – Severe Acne
Ritalin – ADHD
Adderall – ADHD
Gabapentin – Anti-Seizure
Chantix – Smoking
Celebrex – Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ambien – Sleep
Our society’s drug dependency is literally killing us by taking years off our life and life off our years. It is robbing us of the human potential that we have within.
On January 2, 1903, Thomas Edison stated, “The doctor of the FUTURE will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
In The 100 Year Lifestyle Second Edition, Eric Plasker, DC has updated the quote to read, “The doctor of the PRESENT will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of dis-ease.”
Be present. It is heartbreaking to hear about or see individuals who fill their medicine cabinets with potentially serious side effects rather than taking the approach of nurturing their innate potential naturally first. As a last resort, drugs and surgery have their place.
Work with your body’s ability to heal naturally and function at its highest level. Do not underestimate this healing power within you. Make nurturing this intelligence your lifestyle and enjoy the long, healthy quality life you deserve.
The difference between being on a personal fitness program and going to a cardiac rehabilitation session is quite simply timing.