WE HAVE A DRUG PROBLEM

Figures from the UK National Health Service (NHS) chart an alarming increase in the use of dependence-forming drugs, rising by 50% in the last 15 years with women in their 50s and 60s making up two-thirds of this number.

Ministers have requested Public Health England (PHE) to investigate with a landmark review addressing "how best to help those in need"  - yet how expansive will the vision of this independent report be?

Our entire medical system is on the whole, structured towards outcomes that SUPPRESS symptoms. Painkillers to stop pain, anti-anxiety drugs to stop anxiety and antidepressants to stop feeling depressed. It is a disease-management approach that fits tidily into the designated minutes that doctors have with their patients, reciprocated by a public who want their pain, anxiety and depression gone and gone NOW. Suppressive treatments may provide much needed respite however this is only ever temporary as the underlying cause is often not being addressed.

The NHS is on the edge of a precipice, it is under immense strain with an ever-increasing pharmaceutical bill that it cannot afford. This is not a matter of adjusting a few guidelines, this requires a paradigm shift in understanding the fundamental nature of dis-ease.

The reasons that lead people into drug-dependance are complex and unique to each individual - which is why comprehensive individualised treatment not only makes sense, it is imperative. Will the PHE cut-to-the-chase and look to the many excellent, nontoxic alternative therapies out there like homeopathy? One thing is for sure - we have a drug problem which needs alternative solutions.

Find the source article from The Telegraph here.