Assignment 2-1: Weekly Written Analysis 2

The basis for my analysis this week is an article I read in the Columbus Dispatch (Columbus Ohio) called “Online Overdose” written by Mike Pramik of the Columbus Dispatch. When one thinks of popular culture one doesn’t often associate addictions. I think this is a popular topic that is missed in mainstream discussions and is often left for those in activist groups to sort out. In my opinion, the vast majority of Americans would rather not deal with the issue and sweep it under the rug. As you will see from my analysis there are more drug related issues for us to be aware of.

This article is written to highlight the growing concern of online pharmacies, moreover the lack of controls and regulations concerning their business practices. Who knew it was so easy to get your hands on controlled prescription medications such as Vicodin, and Oxycontin. Both prescription medications are considered highly addictive by the medical and drug communities and can now be obtained via the internet with very little effort. According to the article, in order to qualify for the medications, many online pharmacies require the patient to answer a few easy questions. After the questions are answered staff physicians write the prescription which is filled and delivered directly to your home. This is a very convenient was to satisfy ones addiction in my opinion and also very dangerous.

According to the article I read, addiction to prescription medications ranks second in the US only to marijuana. At the rate prescription addictions are going it won’t be long before marijuana gets edged out for the top spot. Also according to M. Pramik (2008) “Online Overdose” , Columbus Dispatch Sunday October 12, 2008, the DEA office of Diversion said the sale of the painkiller oxycodone in the US increased nearly nine times from 1996 to 2006. Rogue pharmacies are at the heart of the problem.

When it comes to the internet it is obvious that our laws have yet to find a way to truly regulate all of the ecommerce traffic. Until we have a viable system for policing this internet activity it’s best to look out for yourself. This includes keeping a very watchful eye on children and their exposure to uncontrolled internet traffic.

Reference
M. Pramik (2008). Online Overdose. The Columbus Dispatch Sunday October 12, 2008.