U.S. Citizens Spend Half Their Lives Taking Prescription Drugs, Study Finds
Recent research reveals that Americans spend a significant portion of their lives consuming prescription drugs, with a growing number of individuals taking five or more medications simultaneously. This eye-opening study, published in the journal Demography on October 1, examined data from 15,000 households between 1996 and 2019. The analysis estimated that a newborn boy born in 2019 would spend 48 percent of his life, or 36.84 years, taking prescription drugs. For newborn girls, the figure was even higher at nearly 60 percent, or 47.54 years.
Even at the age of 25, men in 2019 were projected to spend 59.4 percent of their remaining lives on prescription medication, while women faced an even higher figure of 71.1 percent.
“The years that people can expect to spend taking prescription drugs are now higher than they might spend in their first marriage, getting an education, or being in the labor force,” said Jessica Y. Ho, the author of the study and an associate of Penn State’s Social Science Research Institute. This study highlights the central role that prescription drug use plays in our lives, prompting questions about the medications we consume and the duration of their usage.
The study also emphasizes the alarming prevalence of polypharmacy, where individuals take five or more drugs simultaneously. The research indicates that polypharmacy is on the rise among adults and children, particularly affecting older adults. In 2012, 42 percent of adults aged 65 and above were taking five or more prescription drugs. For newborns in 2019, the study found that boys would spend 15 percent of their lives on polypharmacy, while girls would spend 20 percent.
Polypharmacy is associated with various factors, including chronic diseases, fragmented healthcare systems, and the use of drugs to counteract side effects. The risks of polypharmacy include falls, cognitive impairment, hospitalization, lower quality of life, and mortality.
While prescription drugs have undoubtedly made a difference in treating various conditions, concerns are growing about the potential risks of excessive medication. Americans have been found to be less healthy and have shorter lifespans compared to their counterparts in other high-income countries, and the overuse of prescription drugs is a contributing factor.
Gender and Racial Differences
The study reveals significant gender and racial disparities in prescription drug use. The majority of women over the age of 15 take prescription drugs, while men typically start taking them at the age of 40. This trend among women can be attributed to factors such as birth control, hormonal contraceptives, and the use of psychotherapeutic drugs and painkillers to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
Furthermore, the study found that White individuals start taking prescription drugs at an earlier age compared to Blacks and Hispanics.
Prescription drugs are seen on shelves at a pharmacy in Montreal, on March 11, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Ryan Remiorz)
Over-Prescription of Drugs
An over-prescription of drugs can have harmful consequences. For example, the excessive use of antibiotics has led to the accelerated growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In the United States, five antibiotic prescriptions are written for every six people annually, with a third of them being unnecessary.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the country each year, resulting in approximately 35,000 deaths.
A report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in January 2022 highlighted the nationwide increase in per capita use of prescription drugs over the past decade. This rise can be attributed to the availability and use of generic drugs, as well as the development of new treatments.
It is crucial to recognize the impact of prescription drug use on our lives and to address concerns about excessive medication. By understanding the implications and striving for responsible usage, we can work towards a healthier future.
How does polypharmacy contribute to the prescribing cascade and what are the implications for older adults
Tributing factor to this disparity.
One of the main reasons for the increase in prescription drug use is the aging population. As people age, they are more likely to develop chronic illnesses and require medication to manage their conditions. Additionally, advancements in medical science have led to the development of new drugs that can treat a wide range of diseases and conditions.
However, the reliance on prescription drugs raises concerns about the potential for overmedication and its associated risks. Taking multiple medications concurrently increases the likelihood of drug interactions and adverse side effects. Moreover, the long-term effects of some drugs are still unknown, and patients may be unknowingly exposing themselves to potential harm.
An alarming trend highlighted by the study is the widespread use of polypharmacy, particularly among older adults. The use of multiple medications in this population can lead to a phenomenon known as ”prescribing cascade,” where drugs are prescribed to counteract the side effects of other drugs. This cycle can spiral out of control, leading to further complications and health problems.
To address this issue, healthcare providers need to engage in comprehensive medication reviews and consider alternative treatment options, such as non-pharmacological interventions or drug reduction strategies. Additionally, patients should actively participate in their healthcare decisions and discuss their medication regimen with their healthcare providers to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.
This study serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public. While prescription drugs have undoubtedly improved the quality of life for many individuals, it is crucial to strike a balance between their benefits and potential risks. The overreliance on medication should be challenged, and efforts should be made to explore alternative approaches to healthcare, such as lifestyle modifications, preventive measures, and holistic treatment modalities.
In conclusion, this study shines a light on the extent of prescription drug use in the United States and raises important questions about the implications of such usage. It highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance regarding medication management, especially in the context of polypharmacy. By adopting a more cautious and individualized approach to prescribing, healthcare providers can minimize the risks associated with excessive medication use and ensure better health outcomes for all Americans.
Sources:
– The Epoch Times: “FDA Issues Warning on Use of Psychedelic Drug” – 10/13/2023
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