BIG S ECRET S B I G PHARMA

Why They Secretly Hope You Get Hooked

Secret #1:
Children are getting hooked on prescription drugs right under our noses. Every generation faces unique
challenges...but no previous generation has been forced to cope with a culture in which alcohol and drugs are so available and tolerated. Did you know that the first use of drugs starts young? About
AGE 11 OR YOUNGER

14%

BETWEEN AGES 12-14

BETWEEN AGES 15 - 17

56

30%

Teen brains are primed for risk taking and scientific studies reveal that the brain develops throughout adolescence and does not mature until ages 22 to 23 for young women, and 24 to 25 for young men. The younger kids are when they start using addictive drugs, the more likely theyll become addicted. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health children who start drinking or smoking pot at age 14 (or before) are eight times more likely to become addicted to alcohol and six times more likely to become addicted to marijuana than those who start in their 20s.

Substance Abuse Affects Everyone

Are you thinking, not my kid? Think again! Substance abuse does not discriminate; it affects people from all walks of life, socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

Nearly

1in13 over the age of 12 has a drinking problem

1in12

American adults is an alcohol abuser or alcoholic

that jeopardize their health, relationships, productivity and general well-being In order to understand how this came to be well first take a look at challenges threatening the stability of American families.

Millions more engage in risky drinking behaviors

Challenges Threatening the Stability of American Families

The makeup of the standard American family has changed dramatically. Lets look at the definition of family. The U.S Census defines a family as, a group of two people or more (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together; all such people (including related subfamily members) are considered as members of one family. Although the U.S Census has its definition of family, the makeup of families in America dont necessarily fall under that definition. The family dynamic in 2012 is significantly different than it was a decade ago. The once average makeup of the American family (mom, dad, 2 kids with a dog, minivan and a 3 bedroom house) is not typically the case today. In reality families are very diverse and can range from families composing of (but not limited to) a mom and a dad two dads or two moms foster homes biological children adopted children grandparents, aunts, uncles raising their siblings childrens and/ or grandchildren higher divorce rates unwed couples having children and cohabitating.

In the end each family is left to create their own definition of family. Families face juggling work, school, friends and their personal lives in a society where there really isnt a set definition of family. This leaves many American families with no blueprint on how to function. In addition to the identity crisis, modern families are challenged with fleeting time and piled up stress.

Family Time is a Rare Commodity

24 hr Peroid of an Average American Adult

ZZZ
ZZ..

8.2

WORK
HRS

COMMUTING

45.8

T.V/MEDIA

MIN

5.5

HRS

35

MOBILE
MIN

6-8

SLEEP
HRS

The average adult works 8.2 hours in the day and only spends 2 hours in the day with their children. Out of lets say, 16 waking hours you only get to see your child 12.5% of the time in a 16-hr waking period. For the average American adult this is the harsh reality of how busy weve gotten and how much time we dont put into our families. Not only do we work a lot but we watch television for 5.5 hours of the day, spend 45.8 hours commuting, and 35 minutes engaged in our mobile devices. Teenagers show even more alarming rates of face to face disconnection from others in their large amounts of data use. 72% of teens use a cell phone more than 4 hours each day. Teen boys send an average of 2,815 text messages per month. Teen girls send an average of 3,952 text messages per month. 74% of teens spend more than 1 hour playing mobile games each day. 93% of teen social media users have a Facebook account.

The result? Many young adults lack deep thinking capabilities, have difficulty retaining information, lack face-to-face social skills and depend in unhealthy ways on technology to communicate.

Our fast-paced world has created an avalanche of challenges for families. Marriages and families are falling apart with 50% of first, 67% of second and 73% of third marriages ending in divorce. More than 4 in 10 children begin life with unmarried parents. In the last 20 years nearly 200% more unmarried fathers are raising children alone. 48% more children are living with a grandparent. The definition and makeup of the family is in a dynamic shift, set responsibilities and roles are changing dramatically. The expansion of the Internet and modern technologies is making it harder for family members to stay connected with each other. A disconnect amongst in person relationships is increasing and so is everyones stress levels. Its becoming harder to keep up. What does all of this really mean? It means that parents are stressed, their kids are stressed and theyre looking for ways to cope. Did you know that nearly 50% of Americans say their stress has gotten worse in the past 5 years and less than 33% feel they are managing their stress well? In addition, 30% say family worries are their biggest source of stress. Adolescents are being challenged on a daily basis to find ways to manage and cope with their stress, depression, pain and in many cases traumatic events. Its hard for adults to cope and manage their stress so imagine how hard it is for our children. The ugly truth is that many of our children are turning to drugs to cope. Not only are they seeking out drugs but drugs are being provided to them in their own homes, through your medicine cabinets. Most adolescents are exposed to prescription drugs right at home. 63% of teens say prescription drugs are easy to get from the medicine cabinets of friends and family. [Joseph T. Rannazzisi, DEA Congressional Testimony, 2007] Prescription drug abuse is dangerous and increasing in the number of overdoses; more than street drugs such as cocaine, heroin and amphetamines. The number of emergency room visits attributable to prescription drugs jumped 97% between 2004 and 2008. Prescription drug abuse is so dangerous because the drug dealer role has been shift from outside the home to inside the home. 6

Big Pharma secretly wants you to get hooked to these medications and theyre hitting where it hurts the most: at home.

15

Of high school seniors say they have taken at least one prescription or OTC drug for nonmedical purposes in the past month*

20 98
%

Of students say they have taken a prescription drug not prescribed for them at least once in their lives*

Increase from 2004-2009, in emergency room visits for misuse or abuse of pharmaceuticals*

*Source: Drug Facts: High School & Youth Trends *Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance *Vital Signs: Overdoses of Prescription Opiod Pain Relievers

Secret #2:
A national epidemic that affects the consumer equals big bucks for Pharma.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE EVERYBODY DOES IT
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THEIR SAFETY
Because these medications are prescribed by doctors, many assume they are safe to take under any circumstance.

INCREASING AVAILABILITY

Prescription drugs are readily available and dont carry the social stigma of illicit drugs.

VARIED MOTIVATIONS FOR THEIR ABUSE

Reasons for starting to abuse prescriptions vary; ranging from getting high to anxiety, pain, sleep problems or enhancing cognition.

AMERICA IS HOOKED ON PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

We see it frequently on TV, our Facebook and Twitter timelines, online and printed newspapers: America is hooked on prescription drugs. The Center for Disease and Control (CDC) has officially labeled prescription drug abuse as an epidemic. We can no longer ignore the very real truth that prescription drug abuse in the United States is a huge problem.

One in 25 adults and teenagers in the US has used a prescription drug in a way other than prescribed.

The number of prescription drug addicted babies has tripled in the last 10 years, mimicking the crack baby epidemic of the 1980s. One of the most commonly abused prescription drugs are narcotic painkillers (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Codeine). You may know them as: Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Hydro-Apap, Percodan, Percocet, Tylox, Roxicet, OxyContin, Tylenol #3 & #4, Apap with Codeine, etc.

Twenty-five years ago, doctors did not prescribe narcotic painkillers for nonmalignant chronic pain out of fear of addiction. These medications were reserved for those suffering from cancer or other terminal diseases. In the 90s, a shift occurred in the medical community and the focus turned to improving patient quality of life. Prescription drug manufacturers spent millions on marketing and developing new drugs to treat pain. Since it first hit the market in the mid-1990s, OxyContin has become one of the nations top-selling prescription painkillers, with worldwide sales totaling $3.6 billion in 2010. With these prescription drugs flooding the market, prescription drug abuse in the US began to increase exponentially.

A.D.D. MEDICATION
Lets look at the case for Adderall and how the over prescription of this and many other attention deficit medications (like Ritalin) have result in big bucks for Pharma. Doctors are diagnosing patients with ADHD with increasing frequency, and the number of prescriptions of these types of medications has risen dramatically. With more individuals having access to these types of medications, diversion becomes more common. The sale of ADHD medications between students has become a widespread problem on high school and college campuses throughout the US. Experts estimate that over a third of college students have used ADHD medications without a prescription. The ADHD drug Adderall is the latest addictive drug to be featured in the media. For the past six months, newspapers and websites across the nation have reported on the mysterious shortage of the drug, which has apparently lead to fistfights in upscale New York pharmacies and meltdowns in South Central L.A. The price of Adderall has tripled in the last 2 weeks in response to the deficit. So what caused the shortage? As it turns out, the manufacturing shortage appears to be orchestrated by the same company, Shire Plc, which got millions of Americans hooked on the drug in the first place. Why would this manufacturer stop producing a drug that so many buy? Because they found a way to make more money and its a brilliant business model. Adderall was first introduced to the American public by Richwood Pharmaceuticals during another drug crisis, the Great Ritalin Scare of 1993. Back then, drastic shortages of that groundbreaking ADD drug prompted thousands of panicked parents to switch to Adderall. Shire is now attempting to use artificial Adderall shortages as a chance to convert ADD sufferers to their new, and much more expensive, ADD drug, Vyvanase.

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FOR THE RECORD

From 1980 to 2000, The cost of drugs in the U.S prescription drug sales rises 12% every year - about tripled as a percentage of a $2 billion increase - while the U.S GDP. drug companies make Since the early 1980s the record profits. pharmaceutical industry has The top ten companies have been consistently ranked combined yearly profits of as the most profitable in the $35.9 billion. United States.
Big Pharma has made a fortune getting Americans hooked on their products. Drug manufacturing is a multi-billion dollar a year industry, and pharmaceutical increased by 8% from 2009-2011. Its the same business model the alcohol and cigarette companies use get em hooked and well have lifetime customers. Its a tough pill to swallow, no pun intended. 11

Secret #3: There is a cure and it

doesnt require another prescription

We live in a world where the cure for everything is to receive a prescription for some new drug. Just like the alcohol, tobacco and insurance companies make big bucks by gambling on peoples health - big Pharma needs us to buy and consume prescriptions at a higher and faster rate. The more and faster we consume the more money they make. Prescription abuse is very real and big Pharma hides itself behind the idea that taking a prescribed medication (whether its yours or that of another) against directions is not their problem. Whether a drug is illegally manufactured or manufactured behind the name of a company it has to be regulated effectively to prevent epidemics like this from occurring. Prescribing more pills is not going to help the addict, providing treatment for drug abuse will. Is someone you love spiraling out of control because of drug addiction? Has a friend, family or loved one been acting out of the ordinary or showing inconsistencies in behavior that have left you confused? Is it possibly drug abuse, how can you tell? Do you know how to pin point the signs of addiction? Here are ten signs of drug abuse you should know. 1. Sudden changes in behavior 2. Mood Swings 3. Carelessness in Physical Appearance 4. Loss of interest in hobbies or activities 5. Withdrawal from family members 6. Change in Sleeping Pattern 7. Red or glassy eyes 8. Problems at school or work 9. Spending all or most of their money and always asking to borrow money 10. Sickness or withdrawal

These signs of drug abuse can vary based on how long the person has been using, what kind of drugs or alcohol they are using, and their age. Keep in mind that one of these signs alone does not mean that you or your loved one has a drug problem but it may be good to sit down and talk with your loved one or someone else if you think they might have a problem.

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AS A LOVED ONE YOUR ACTIONS MATTER

What to do when you can no longer watch a loved one destroy his or her future

When you suspect, or know, that your child or loved one has been drinking or using drugs, take action to stop it as soon as you can - it may be the most important step you ever take. Parents are the most important influence in a childs life - no matter their age. In fact, children of all ages say that losing their parents trust and respect are among the most important reasons not to use drugs.

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THE RIGHT TREATMENT CENTER

You have the power of influence and love when it comes to getting your child the treatment they need. Do your research; look for drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers that fulfill your loved ones needs. Regardless of their drug of choice the treatment center you choose should offer:

Medical Detoxification

Be sure the facility involves a safe, medically supervised drug alcohol detox treatment program in a tranquil, serene setting with outstanding accommodations.

Residential Treatment

Treatment needs to be done in a real-life setting, not a hospital setting. If not, a person is ill prepared to cope and deal with the real life stressors that await them once they are on their own.

Trauma Resolution Therapy Holistic Therapy

Drugs and alcohol are not the problem, they are the solution. Finding a treatment center that deals with core issues is integral to recovery. Research has clearly demonstrated the advantages of a multidisciplinary approach.

Extensive After Care

An important part of treatment is getting a person to maximize their potential in key areas of life such as career, family, and personal relationships

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QUESTIONS

The best drug and alcohol treatment centers will offer an extensive list of services for patients during treatment and after treatment for their success in recovery. Some questions youll want to ask them are: How will you get them to stop doing drugs, and is it On-Site? Do they have a safe comfortable private medical detox? Not all facilities offer on-site detox and even fewer offer private opportunities. How long should one remain in treatment for a better success rate? Do they offer treatment plans up to 90 days? Research shows that clients that stay 90+ days have the highest success rate. What will my child be doing while in treatment? Do they offer a multidisciplinary approach? Studies show that the more the brain and body is engaged the more a client will get out of treatment. When theyre done with treatment what happens next? What kind of aftercare programs do they offer? After treatment is completed, now what? The best facility will have an extensive after care menu including educational and vocational training. How can I be involved? Does the facility have a family program? Addiction is a family disease and it is vitally important that family be involved in the process. How much does it cost for treatment? Treatment is an investment in your or your loved ones life, and more expensive is not necessarily better in this field. Invest your time in being sure that you needs are being met. Does the facility even take insurance? There are some that do not. Are they accredited? While there are plenty of treatment centers that offer great services not all are accredited through the high standard of state or national health organizations. Does the facility offer national resources? Once youve gone through treatment do they have nationwide resources to support you of getting back on track? They should.

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now a word from our sponsors...

BEYOND RECOVERY
HEALING MIND BODY, AND SPIRIT
At Palm Partners Recovery Center, our intent is to enable clients to cease abusing drugs and alcohol through psychological, physical and spiritual transformation. Our drug rehab center is guided by a simple principle: If we do the right thing for the right reason, we help our clients experience recovery and become successful in life.

Luxurious Accomodations A focus on holistic health Customized Aftercare Comfortable Private Detox Family involvement

GETTING BACK ON TRACK

Focus on Holistic Health
Our specialized treatment includes the 12 step model, holistic therapies and multiple modalities of treatment including: life coaching, individual therapy, chiropractic care, yoga, sweat lodge, experiential workshops, Rapid Trauma Resolution, and NLP.

A TRULY HOLISTIC APPROACH

Family Involvement
The Family Program at Palm Partners is specifically geared for the special needs of parents, family members, and significant others of drug and alcohol addicts. The expressed intent of the program is, not only to assist the family in dealing with the various stressors of addiction, but also to empower the family to be a force for healing and recovery.

Customized Aftercare
Upon commencement the journey truly begins. We offer continued support through further life coaching, aftercare therapy, recovery enhancement, monitoring, a comprehensive alumni program and the Palm Partners Academy.

Comfortable Private Detox

Medical detox treatment at Palm Partners Recovery Center involves a safe, medically supervised drug alcohol detox treatment program in a tranquil, serene setting with outstanding accommodations. Our caring, competent and qualified staff will assist in making you feel the comforts of home. Every client is personally assessed according to their individual drug alcohol detox needs.

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LIFE LONG SKILLS BEYOND TREATING DRUG ABUSE

Too often abusing drugs and alcohol affects high school or college goals. Palm Partners pioneered one of the few programs that offers educational and professional opportunities after the initial treatment phase, making a huge impact on long-term recovery. On our sober campus, students can begin their studies without fear of being exposed to drug-using triggers. Treatment curriculum includes competency in academics, addiction recovery, life skills, physical fitness and emotional stability. We prepare students to return to college or the workplace with the tools needed to maintain sobriety.
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OUR GUARANTEE OF YOUR SUCCESS

No one can guarantee or promise complete recovery or freedom from alcohol or addiction issues for life, but Palm Partners comes close. Palm Partners, however offers a limited gaurantee that entitles someone who has successfully completed our 90 day residential program and then engages in our recovery coaching program for one year to return to treatment free of cost if they relapse.

PEACE OF MIND
We are licensed through the Florida Department of Children and Families for the treatment of substance abuse and mental health, National Association of Social Workers, and the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

If you or someone you know needs help

CALL

705 Linton BoulevardDelray Beach, FL 33444 877-711-4673 www.palmpartners.com

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