Novus Medical Detox Warns: Public Influenced by Rx Drug Commercials
New Port Richey, FL (PRWEB) July 29, 2013 -- As prescription drug abuse continues its attack on American society, recent studies have shown that Americans are being heavily influenced by prescription drug advertisements on television. With the growth of prescription drug abuse now considered a rampant epidemic, a Florida medical detox center worries that the advertisements are in advertently contributing to the increase. Novus Medical Detox, which is nationally accredited by The Joint Commission, warns the public against risking their health by relying too heavily on prescription drug advertisements for quality health information.
Studies show that ads about prescription drugs can influence not only consumers, but also doctors to a degree that may subject the public to more harm than good:
Of over 1,000 adults polled,
• 10% say they have asked their doctors for a prescription for a drug they saw advertised;
o 41% of those patients say they were given the prescription they requested and another 25% say they received free samples from their doctor;
• Respondents under age 50 were more likely to get the prescription they wanted (49%) compared with older adults (29%) who made such requests.
• 91% say they've seen or heard prescription drug ads, most often on TV (78%) and in magazines (31%).(1)
Despite some proponents of prescription drug ads saying they “foster an informed conversation about health (2),” Novus Executive Director, Kent Runyon, worries that the influence could spark an increase in the already abundant prescription drug abuse.
"People often unknowingly become addicted to prescription drugs – many don’t realize it until it becomes too late," said Runyon. "These advertisements constantly tout these medications and their potential benefits, but underemphasize their dangerous side effects."
The addictive qualities of prescription drugs often force abusers to avoid detox and rehab at all costs – the difficult withdrawal process leads many addicted individuals to continue their drug use even when they desire to live a sober life.
Novus opened its doors with the purpose to fix the detox process to ensure that anyone could overcome prescription drug addiction comfortably. Unlike many other detox programs, Novus pays particular attention to strengthening their patients’ bodies through a proprietary I.V. vitamin cocktail that is tailored to make the detox process as painless as possible and replenish nutrients lost during drug abuse. The vitamin I.V. is an advanced medical finding that has allowed Novus to handle the toughest of drug and alcohol cases – cases that are rejected from other facilities as "too high a risk."
Runyon advises those considering prescription drug use to first do the following:
1. Have an in-depth conversation with your doctor. A medical professional should tell you your best course of action, and it may not contain prescription drugs.
2. Be skeptical. Remember that ads often paint a positive overall picture of a drug and the side effects could be worse than the ailment you’re trying to cure.
3. Be open-minded. Your doctor may suggest treatment options other than medication. In many cases, symptoms or discomfort can be assuaged with natural remedies.
"Prescription drugs are not an absolute cure – by listening to the risks and the benefits, you are then enabled to make the best decision for your health," said Runyon.
Novus Medical Detox has more than a 90% completion rate of people who start their medical detox at the facility, and is notable for helping people get their lives back. The Florida detox center recently received accreditation from The Joint Commission and continually meets the high national standards for safety and patient care.
To learn more about the Novus Medical Detox center and its addiction and detox programs, visit http://www.NovusDetox.com.
About Novus Medical Detox Center
Novus Medical Detox Center offers safe, effective alcohol and drug treatment programs in a home-like residential setting. Located on 3.25 tree-lined acres in New Port Richey, Fla., Novus is licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families as an in-patient medical detox facility. Novus is known for minimizing the discomfort of withdrawal from prescription medication, drugs and alcohol by creating a customized detox program for each patient, incorporating medication, natural supplements and fluid replenishment—putting dignity and humanity back into drug detoxification. Patients have 24/7 medical supervision, including round-the-clock nursing care and access to a withdrawal specialist, and enjoy comfortable private or shared rooms with a telephone, television, DVD player and high-speed Internet access. For more information on Novus Medical Detox Center, please visit http://www.NovusDetox.com.
1.Fleck, Carole. "Poll: Prescription Drug Ads Influence Consumers." aarp.org. AARP, 01 Nov. 2010. Web. 6 June 2013. aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-10-2010/poll_prescription_drug_ads_influence_consumers.html.
2.Adams, Jill. "TV Ads for Drugs Can Raise Awareness but May Not Be Right for You." Washingtonpost.com. The Washington Post, 20 May 2013. Web. 06 June 2013. articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-05-20/national/39388023_1_tv-ads-direct-to-consumer-advertising-statins.
Alyssa Kaplan, JoTo PR, 888-202-4614, [email protected]
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