OxyContin Abuse

The power painkiller OxyContin is being abused by more and more people across the nation. The heroin-like effects of the drug attract both legitimate and illegitimate users.

How is OxyContin Abused?

When used properly, OxyContin contains a time-release mechanism that spreads the release of the drug over a 12-hour period. The time-release mechanism can be circumvented by crushing the tablet and the drug can be used in one of the following ways:

• The tablets can be chewed
• The tablets can be crushed, then snorted like cocaine
• The tablets can be crushed, dissolved in water, then injected like heroin

In addition to obtaining OxyContin with a prescription, there are a variety of ways to illegally acquire the drug:

• Pharmacy diversion - pharmacy workers take drugs directly off the shelves and/or create fraudulent prescriptions for them.
• Doctor shopping - an individual goes to a variety of doctors in different areas and in different states, complaining of non-existent ailments to obtain prescriptions for large amounts of the drug.
• Improper prescribing - the doctor prescribes the drug in exchange for favors or to supplement income by defrauding insurance companies.
• Robberies - drugstores across the east have been burglarized for their supply of OxyContin.
• OxyContin is also sold on the street. It is known as "Oxy," "OC," or "Oxys."

There have been over 100 deaths linked to OxyContin abuse. In many of the cases, death was the result of taking a mixture of drugs - alcohol or other drugs in addition to OxyContin resulted in the overdose.

Spreading Epidemic

OxyContin abuse is spreading for a variety of reasons. First, the elevated opiate dosage makes it highly addictive. Second, in contrast to drugs such as cocaine or heroin that can be laced with other substances, with OxyContin you know how much of the drug you are getting; the dosage is consistent, so it is a dependable high. Finally, OxyContin is covered by most health insurance plans, so it is significantly cheaper than street drugs. (OxyContin has been referred to as "hillbilly heroin" or "the poor man's heroin.")

In addition to the above reasons, many people are concerned that increased abuse of the drug can be attributed to the manufacturer's aggressive promotion of the drug. Critics believe Purdue Pharma did not adequately warn doctors and patients about the highly addictive properties of the drug.

• Tell a Friend
• Bookmark Site