Oxycontin was manufactured to be a time-released form of Oxycodone. It is not cut with any aspirin or aspirin free pain reliever but is pure Oxycodone with a protective, time-release layer. The problem is, people have figured out how to by-pass the time-release property of the drug so they can get the full effect of pure Oxycodone.
Oxycontin was designed to give up to 12 hours of relief for those who suffer chronic or severe pain. The protective “shell” on the tablet provided timed release of the Oxycodone into the system. The problem is; people quickly figured out that by chewing or crushing the pill, they could do away with the time-release properties.
Oxycontin is an Opiate, much like Heroin. Some of the street names are “Oxy, O.C., and Hillbilly Heroin. Many organizations, including health care organizations believe that the drug is too easily prescribed. Because it is not mixed with any buffers, side effects, overdoses and even deaths are seen with more frequency than with other pain relief medications. Oxycontin is especially dangerous when mixed with other drugs or alcohol.
Those who become Oxycontin abusers often chew or crush the tablet and then either swallow it, snort it up their nose, or mix it with water and inject it. Oxycontin gives one a very euphoric feeling, which seems to be even more intense when the person is not actually in any pain. Those who use Oxycontin as prescribed, for pain relief, normally do not become abusers but there are exceptions.
Oxycontin was only approved by the FDA in 1995. Since that time, there has been more and more opposition to the drug because of the number of addictions and deaths that it produces. Oxycontin is only one of many drugs from which a doctor can choose to give his patient for pain relief. This particular drug stands out among the rest as having the potential for abuse and also having a large number of deaths associated with it.
The DEA and other agencies are taking a much closer look at Oxycontin. It is one of the stronger and most dangerous analgesics out there today. Although people of all walks of life and ages are susceptible to the dangers of Oxycontin, teenagers seem to have the highest death rate from the drug. Oxycontin reacts negatively with most other medications and also with alcohol.
More and more drug rehabilitation centers are equipped with proper facilities and methodologies to help and get people successfully off of their Oxycontin addiction.
Author: National Addiction Resources
America's Best Treatment Directory
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