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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

Heading Out Of The Country On Vacation? 4 Reasons To Visit Your Family Doctor First

by Valerie Stevens

If you're going to be heading out of the country on vacation this summer, now's the time to schedule an appointment with your family physician. Taking off on any type of foreign travel without seeing your doctor first can put you at risk for a variety of problems. Here are just four of the reasons why you need to visit your family physician before you go on an extended vacation out of the country.

Check on Your Vaccination Status

If you haven't checked on your vaccination status recently, you need to do that, before you leave on your vacation. Most foreign countries have vaccination requirements that must be met, before you can visit. If you don't have the right vaccinations, you could end up facing travel delays. Not only that, but if you do visit a country that doesn't have vaccination requirements, you could be exposed to life-threatening diseases. Ensuring that you're up-to-date on your vaccinations will protect you and those around you.

Obtain Travel Tips for Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have pre-existing medical conditions that you receive treatment for, don't start your vacation before you have an appointment with your doctor. They'll be able to provide you with travel tips for your specific medical condition. For instance, if you require specialized equipment or you need access to oxygen tanks, your primary care physician can help you identify the assistance you'll need for your condition.

Get Clearance for Recent Medical Issues

If you've recently been sick, you need to receive clearance from your doctor, before you travel. This is particularly important if you've been sick with a communicable disease. Not only will your doctor need to ensure that you're healthy enough to travel long distances, but they'll also need to ensure that your current condition isn't a threat to those around you.

Arrange for Prescription Medications

If you take prescription medication for a pre-existing condition, visit your doctor before you head out of the country, especially if you're going to be gone for more than a few weeks. You don't want your prescription to expire, while you're out of the country. Your doctor may be able to provide you with an additional supply of your medication or put you in contact with a pharmacy where you'll be able to refill your prescription, while you're away. It's also important that you ask your doctor to print up a list of all the medications you've been prescribed. Be sure to carry the list with you, for emergency purposes.

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