Zohydro might not be a household name just yet – but that doesn’t mean it won’t be in the near future.
The new drug, which is a more powerful form of the drug hydrocodone, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for patients that need “daily, around-the-clock, long-term treatment.” While all hydrocodone products contain a combination of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or other painkillers, Zohydro is the first hydrocodone product that will contain hydrocodone only.
Since this news hit the wires, many different backlashes have landed on the doorstep of the FDA, primarily because within the past year, the FDA themselves disapproved of the drug. Now, as they have changed their tune, the backlash is very real.
Who’s Against It?
Even though the FDA stands firm on backing Zohydro, there are still a number of people and organizations that are fighting back, including the following:
- Patient safety advocates who are fearful that addiction will become imminent in those who are properly using the drugs
- Friends and family of loved ones who have died from prescription drug addiction that are concerned about negligence from the FDA
- Politicians who have been working to combat the rise of prescription drug abuse in their states and throughout the country
In addition, public opinion also plays a key role in this backlash, as many Americans are siding with one or more of these figureheads when it comes to the negative impacts that the approval of Zohydro can have on the public.
What Can Be Done?
The majority of this backlash has developed because just prior to the approval of Zohydro, the FDA made news for putting more hefty restrictions on prescription drugs containing hydrocodone. Now, as this news breaks, people are encouraging manufactures of these drugs to do something to curb prescription drug abuse. For example, the biggest push is coming from lawmakers, who are striving to get the makers of hydrocodone products to incorporate abuse-deterrents within the drugs that prevent individuals from crushing the pills to either snort or inject. Others are determined to continually educate the public to avoid the development of further addictions from occurring.
If you or someone you love is addicted to prescription pills, or any drugs for that matter, please contact Northbound Treatment Services today. Our dedicated staff is determined to help you overcome your struggles with substance abuse in ways that encourage your continued and successful recovery.
Author
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Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
