Although this title sounds like it's a story about the profession of pharmacy, it's not. It's the title of a recent documentary about the War on Drugs in America.
A shockingly candid examination of how a street dealer can rise to the level of cartel lord with relative ease, this documentary is an insider's guide to the violent but extremely lucrative drug industry.
Told from the perspective of former drug dealers, and featuring interviews with rights advocates Russell Simmons, Susan Sarandon, and David Simon (creator of "The Wire"), the film gives you the lessons you need to start your own drug empire while exposing the corruption behind the "war on drugs."
For example - "I don't know at what point exactly it started to be a problem. I just remember liking it more and more," rapper Eminem says of his addiction to prescription medications in a short clip from the documentary, How to Make Money Selling Drugs.
Read more at: Rolling Stone
Showing posts with label drug abuse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drug abuse. Show all posts
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
The Opiate Effect
The documentary film, The Opiate Effect, tells the story of Will Gates, a UVM student who tragically died from a heroin overdose in 2009, and the effects of his death on his family as recounted primarily by his father, Skip Gates. Here's the trailer -
Sunday, March 3, 2013
The Heartbreak Of Drug Abuse
Some people are more susceptible to addiction than other people. But, you'll never know if you're one of them until it's too late. Is it worth the risk? Wanda Jo lost her son Brian to drugs. Brian’s addiction started with smoking pot. It ended in a prison cell and death at age 35.
Source: Navajo County Drug Stories
Source: Navajo County Drug Stories
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Dose Of Reality
After a debilitating prescription drug overdose, Aaron Rubin warns audiences about the dangers of drug abuse, via the Dying for Relief series from the LA Times.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The Man Whose Arms Exploded
A permanent erection, massive quantities of speed and cocaine, peanut-sized testicles, thick brown urine, handfuls of downers, horse steroids, Frankenstein’s monster syndrome, bitch tits, massive trauma, total shut-down, sudden death.
Welcome to the disturbing world of EXTREME bodybuilding. The Man Whose Arms Exploded follows Gregg Valentino, the man with the biggest arms in the world and explores what happened to him, and others, after a lifetime of steroid abuse. Here's the film trailer.
Source: Firecracker Films
Welcome to the disturbing world of EXTREME bodybuilding. The Man Whose Arms Exploded follows Gregg Valentino, the man with the biggest arms in the world and explores what happened to him, and others, after a lifetime of steroid abuse. Here's the film trailer.
Source: Firecracker Films
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Bath Salts: It's Not A Fad...It's A Nightmare
Navy Medicine psychiatry resident Lt. George Loeffler at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA, discusses his firsthand experiences treating service members at Navy military treatment facilities from consequences of bath salt use.
"I would say not just as the naval officer, but as your doctor, bath salts will not only jack up your family and your career, it will jack up your mind and body too," said Loeffler in this PSA.
The Bath Salts campaign's slogan, "Bath salts: It's not a fad...It's a NIGHTMARE", reflects the hallucinogenic effect of bath salts, which are a non-regulated designer drug comprised of a synthetic cathinone, or amphetamine, that can have a dangerous or debilitating effect on the user.
"I would say not just as the naval officer, but as your doctor, bath salts will not only jack up your family and your career, it will jack up your mind and body too," said Loeffler in this PSA.
The Bath Salts campaign's slogan, "Bath salts: It's not a fad...It's a NIGHTMARE", reflects the hallucinogenic effect of bath salts, which are a non-regulated designer drug comprised of a synthetic cathinone, or amphetamine, that can have a dangerous or debilitating effect on the user.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Nothing To Smile About
Like I discussed a while back, it's going to be an extremely difficult task trying to stop the scourge of synthetic drug abuse. Now there's a new one in the news.. smiles.
[original video link removed by source]
[original video link removed by source]
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Dispense Or Not Dispense | What Would You Do?
There were many times in my career while I was working in retail pharmacy when a physician or a dentist presented me with controlled-substance prescription written for himself/herself or a family member, wanting me to fill it for them, and I refused.
In some of those cases, something bad later happened, and subsequent investigations revealed that those physicians or dentists (or their family members) had substance abuse problems and were getting their prescriptions filled at multiple pharmacies in order to hide their problem.
Of course, I learned early that if you're going to refuse to fill a self-prescribed prescription then you're going to get grief from not only the prescriber, but sometimes from your co-workers or supervisors who don't understand (or care about) the potential problems or conflict of interest.
In a couple of instances, I was even reported to the BOP for refusing to fill their prescriptions. States vary in their rules about pharmacists' rights to refuse to fill prescriptions, so I once had to endure a cross-examination to justify my refusal. It was a hassle, but the BOP sided with my actions.
In essence, I refuse to enable another healthcare provider's potential substance abuse problem, or to become indirectly responsible when something bad happens after I filled their prescription. I'm not going to be sucked into any schemes, become part of the problem, and possibly hurt someone.
And the reason that I refuse to fill controlled-substance prescriptions for providers who self-diagnose and self-treat is specifically highlighted in the following video.
Source: 'Doctor of the Year' Arrested on DUI Charges After Crash
What would you do? Would you want to be the pharmacist who filled the prescriber's self-prescribed controlled-substance Rx when something like this happens, and especially if someone is killed?
In some of those cases, something bad later happened, and subsequent investigations revealed that those physicians or dentists (or their family members) had substance abuse problems and were getting their prescriptions filled at multiple pharmacies in order to hide their problem.
Of course, I learned early that if you're going to refuse to fill a self-prescribed prescription then you're going to get grief from not only the prescriber, but sometimes from your co-workers or supervisors who don't understand (or care about) the potential problems or conflict of interest.
In a couple of instances, I was even reported to the BOP for refusing to fill their prescriptions. States vary in their rules about pharmacists' rights to refuse to fill prescriptions, so I once had to endure a cross-examination to justify my refusal. It was a hassle, but the BOP sided with my actions.
In essence, I refuse to enable another healthcare provider's potential substance abuse problem, or to become indirectly responsible when something bad happens after I filled their prescription. I'm not going to be sucked into any schemes, become part of the problem, and possibly hurt someone.
And the reason that I refuse to fill controlled-substance prescriptions for providers who self-diagnose and self-treat is specifically highlighted in the following video.
Source: 'Doctor of the Year' Arrested on DUI Charges After Crash
What would you do? Would you want to be the pharmacist who filled the prescriber's self-prescribed controlled-substance Rx when something like this happens, and especially if someone is killed?
Sunday, October 14, 2012
The House I Live In
Drug addiction - it's a terrible problem in America.
I don't profess to have all of the answers as to why people abuse drugs, nor do I have a solution to the problem. There is no simple solution to such a complex problem. But, I do think that many of us agree that how we've been addressing this problem for the past forty-years isn't working very well.
Perhaps it's time we tried approaching the problem from a different point of view?
In theaters this beginning this month the documentary, The House I Live In, examines the economic, as well as the moral and practical, failures of the so-called "war on drugs," and calls on the United States to approach drug abuse not as a "war," but as a matter of public health.
We need "a very changed dialogue in this country that understands drugs as a public health concern and not a criminal justice concern," says the film's director, Eugene Jarecki.
Jarecki also says, "The 'tough on crime' strategy failed. We created a war on drugs, which is a trillion dollars spent over 40 years, 45 million arrests, leading to nothing. Drugs are cheaper, purer, more available than ever before, and used by younger and younger people. Who can stand by that?"
I think a lot of people might agree with him. The House I Live In is showing in Phoenix next month. I'll make sure to see it and report my review in the comments section of this post.
Source: The House I Live In
I don't profess to have all of the answers as to why people abuse drugs, nor do I have a solution to the problem. There is no simple solution to such a complex problem. But, I do think that many of us agree that how we've been addressing this problem for the past forty-years isn't working very well.
Perhaps it's time we tried approaching the problem from a different point of view?
In theaters this beginning this month the documentary, The House I Live In, examines the economic, as well as the moral and practical, failures of the so-called "war on drugs," and calls on the United States to approach drug abuse not as a "war," but as a matter of public health.
We need "a very changed dialogue in this country that understands drugs as a public health concern and not a criminal justice concern," says the film's director, Eugene Jarecki.
Jarecki also says, "The 'tough on crime' strategy failed. We created a war on drugs, which is a trillion dollars spent over 40 years, 45 million arrests, leading to nothing. Drugs are cheaper, purer, more available than ever before, and used by younger and younger people. Who can stand by that?"
I think a lot of people might agree with him. The House I Live In is showing in Phoenix next month. I'll make sure to see it and report my review in the comments section of this post.
Source: The House I Live In
Monday, October 8, 2012
Oxyana | A Documentary
A portrait of Oceana, WV, an old coal mining town that has become the epicenter of the Appalachian Oxycontin epidemic, earning the nickname Oxyana.
Set in the middle of unbelievable natural beauty, life persists in Oceana, but it’s a living that few Americans could explain or even believe; closer in kind to the world of a medieval plague. Men and women die epidemically. The addicts— who are the vast majority, and all nice enough people— sell, scramble, and steal in an economy of nigh-endtimes desperation.
Worn down and out by the pills, the mines, or the indignity of both, everyone is easily twice their own age, and unable to imagine an existence outside of coal, subsidies, and prescription narcotics. Things could hardly get darker— or more fucked and implausible— than in this place called Oceana.
Oxyana Teaser from Sean Dunne on Vimeo and Kickstarter
Set in the middle of unbelievable natural beauty, life persists in Oceana, but it’s a living that few Americans could explain or even believe; closer in kind to the world of a medieval plague. Men and women die epidemically. The addicts— who are the vast majority, and all nice enough people— sell, scramble, and steal in an economy of nigh-endtimes desperation.
Worn down and out by the pills, the mines, or the indignity of both, everyone is easily twice their own age, and unable to imagine an existence outside of coal, subsidies, and prescription narcotics. Things could hardly get darker— or more fucked and implausible— than in this place called Oceana.
Oxyana Teaser from Sean Dunne on Vimeo and Kickstarter
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Tomorrow Is A Long Way Off
Skateboarding legend Christian Hosoi had everything: money, fame, and a very promising career.
After seven years doing crystal meth every day, he hit rock bottom and realized that he had to make a serious decision. He hopes that by telling his story, others will be inspired to make the right choice.
Source: You Are Not Alone
After seven years doing crystal meth every day, he hit rock bottom and realized that he had to make a serious decision. He hopes that by telling his story, others will be inspired to make the right choice.
Source: You Are Not Alone
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Behind The Orange Curtain
There's a reason why they call it "OC".
Young and over-privileged teenagers are dying of drug overdoses in record numbers in Orange County, California. In particular, prosperous cities like Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. Many of these tragic deaths are from prescription pain medications like OxyContin®. Is it easier to find drugs if you have money? Do "rich kids" have more temptation and easier access to these drugs?
Behind the Orange Curtain is a documentary that will delve into the staggering problem of teenage Rx drug abuse in one of the most affluent counties in the country. Here's the trailer -
Behind The Orange Curtain - Trailer from Lee Iovino on Vimeo.
Young and over-privileged teenagers are dying of drug overdoses in record numbers in Orange County, California. In particular, prosperous cities like Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. Many of these tragic deaths are from prescription pain medications like OxyContin®. Is it easier to find drugs if you have money? Do "rich kids" have more temptation and easier access to these drugs?
Behind the Orange Curtain is a documentary that will delve into the staggering problem of teenage Rx drug abuse in one of the most affluent counties in the country. Here's the trailer -
Behind The Orange Curtain - Trailer from Lee Iovino on Vimeo.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Border Wars | Border Cadavers
Since Mexican president Felipe Calderon started his "war on drugs" after taking office in 2006, almost 50,000 people have reportedly been killed in violence caused by the drug gangs and cartels battling for power to supply illegal drugs. I'd bet the unreported numbers are probably even higher.
Unfortunately, the demand for those illegal drugs by Americans hasn't seemed to slow one bit. So, in order to bypass Customs and Border Protection and supply our insatiable urge for illicit drug use, the cartels have begun using increasingly creative methods to reach their goals.
I think almost everyone has heard about underground drug tunnels, hidden compartments in vehicles, cartels routinely trying to bribe customs agents, and even cartels using unassuming suspects such as the elderly and children to smuggle their drugs. Heck, they've even used catapults to launch drugs over the border. But, the more difficult it gets to smuggle drugs into America, the more sinister the cartels' methods become. So, who wouldn't expect the worst?
Like - smuggling drugs inside their murdered victims' corpses being brought across the border.
Source: National Geographic | Border Wars
Unfortunately, the demand for those illegal drugs by Americans hasn't seemed to slow one bit. So, in order to bypass Customs and Border Protection and supply our insatiable urge for illicit drug use, the cartels have begun using increasingly creative methods to reach their goals.
I think almost everyone has heard about underground drug tunnels, hidden compartments in vehicles, cartels routinely trying to bribe customs agents, and even cartels using unassuming suspects such as the elderly and children to smuggle their drugs. Heck, they've even used catapults to launch drugs over the border. But, the more difficult it gets to smuggle drugs into America, the more sinister the cartels' methods become. So, who wouldn't expect the worst?
Like - smuggling drugs inside their murdered victims' corpses being brought across the border.
Source: National Geographic | Border Wars
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Denial Is A Drug
Just because you refuse to see, and to intervene, doesn't mean there's not a serious problem.
Video Source: Drug Free AZ | Get Involved: National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse
Video Source: Drug Free AZ | Get Involved: National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The Dark Side Of Enabling
In the wake of the tragic and preventable death of Whitney Houston, I thought I would share this video link from the article entitled "Risen from the gutter, he whispers hope to Hollywood's junkies" on CNN.
Truthfully, I can't identify with Bob Forrest, am not sure (except for his being a former addict) what makes him an authority on the subject, and don't fully agree with his opinions - but a lot of other people seem to value his opinions, and he provides a good "behind the scenes" story.
It's a celebration of the negative -- and a constant dance in Hollywood, if headlines are any indication. In the end, only the addict can control how the journey ends. But along the way, there is no shortage of enablers. And - if you ask my opinion - there would be MUCH LESS of the tragedy and heartache associated with drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse if there was much less enabling going on.
Truthfully, I can't identify with Bob Forrest, am not sure (except for his being a former addict) what makes him an authority on the subject, and don't fully agree with his opinions - but a lot of other people seem to value his opinions, and he provides a good "behind the scenes" story.
It's a celebration of the negative -- and a constant dance in Hollywood, if headlines are any indication. In the end, only the addict can control how the journey ends. But along the way, there is no shortage of enablers. And - if you ask my opinion - there would be MUCH LESS of the tragedy and heartache associated with drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse if there was much less enabling going on.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Listen To Your Pharmacist
What we have to say is usually very insightful. Oh yeah, and make sure to lock up your drugs too.
The Pharmacist from Jeffrey Da Silva on Vimeo.
The Pharmacist from Jeffrey Da Silva on Vimeo.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Your Drugs Are My Love
Have you ever wondered why some women wouldn't give you the time of day before you became a pharmacist, but now you catch them flirting with you all of the time? What do you think happened in just a few years to make you so irresistible? Do you think that "all of a sudden" you're now attractive because of the content of your character, or is it because you've got something else they want?
U.S. Congressman, Peter King--whose district includes Seaford and Massapequa--told PIX 11 that Nassau police have noticed an upsurge in burglaries among upper-middle class teen girls, trying to get money to feed their pill addictions.If you let your little head do the thinking for you, you're risking a lifetime of achievement for just a few minutes of pleasure. Believe me, I've personally witnessed such poor judgment on more than a few occasions, and seen pharmacists pay dearly for it. But, don't just take my word for it -
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Designer Drug Conundrum
Yesterday, while at the dentist's office, I was reading a "dated" Time magazine and came across a blurb that said Katy Perry's, Teenage Dream album has recently tied with Michael Jackson's album, Bad, for the most #1 hits from a single album.
I mention this only because it made me realize my age, and just how much I may be out of touch with the youth of America. I had no idea who Katy Perry was and have never listened to any of her music. So, it probably goes without saying that I'm probably also out of touch with both the type and scope of designer drugs being abused by our young people today. I can't understand why they would so easily assume the risks associated with abusing these untested drugs?
Regardless of my ignorance, it seems to me that the abuse of designer drugs will probably be the next public health crisis involving young Americans.
I mean, how can the abuse be stopped when the demand for a legal high remains unchanged, and when it's so easy to change the chemical structure of a banned designer drug into a different (but similar) chemical with the same potential for abuse? It seems to me that the criminals can create different designer drugs faster than the medical system can show they cause harm and the legal system eventually ban them.
I just recently read where a purer and more potent form of ecstasy called "Molly" has been created, which has the potential for even greater long-term health damage when abused. Even "bath salts", the current rage in all of the party scenes, are being redesigned to be ten times more potent than the original versions.
Where does it all end? What's it going to take stop the continuous supply and demand for designer drugs? Is it time to just legalize all drugs and let the chips fall where they may? What do you think?
Source: ABC News Channel-15
I mention this only because it made me realize my age, and just how much I may be out of touch with the youth of America. I had no idea who Katy Perry was and have never listened to any of her music. So, it probably goes without saying that I'm probably also out of touch with both the type and scope of designer drugs being abused by our young people today. I can't understand why they would so easily assume the risks associated with abusing these untested drugs?
Regardless of my ignorance, it seems to me that the abuse of designer drugs will probably be the next public health crisis involving young Americans.
I mean, how can the abuse be stopped when the demand for a legal high remains unchanged, and when it's so easy to change the chemical structure of a banned designer drug into a different (but similar) chemical with the same potential for abuse? It seems to me that the criminals can create different designer drugs faster than the medical system can show they cause harm and the legal system eventually ban them.
I just recently read where a purer and more potent form of ecstasy called "Molly" has been created, which has the potential for even greater long-term health damage when abused. Even "bath salts", the current rage in all of the party scenes, are being redesigned to be ten times more potent than the original versions.
Where does it all end? What's it going to take stop the continuous supply and demand for designer drugs? Is it time to just legalize all drugs and let the chips fall where they may? What do you think?
Source: ABC News Channel-15
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