OxyContin Addictive
May 20, 2001
In March of 2001, the makers of the drug OxyContin, Purdue Pharma of Stamford Connecticut, met with the Federal government to discuss the recent surge of problems associated with the drug. OxyContin, which was supposed to help cancer patients and others suffering from severe pain, has found its way into the hands of abusers. Addicts clamor for OxyContin, and the need to get an OxyContin fix has led to an increase in crime.
In rural Hazard, Kentucky two men killed Norma Ratliff's son so they could search his pockets for OxyContin pills. In addition, OxyContin related violence and overdoses are blamed for over 90 deaths in the rural South.
Drug addicts crush OxyContin tablets and snort the powder. Other methods include mixing the substance with water and injecting it. Abusers report that the high associated with OxyContin is more euphoric than other drugs such as cocaine or heroin.
In a meeting between Purdue Pharma and Federal government officials a decision was made to create a program that educates OxyContin addicts and others about prescription drug abuse. In addition, Purdue plans to make doctors aware of a new tamper-resistant prescription pad that was developed in an effort to curtail forged prescriptions. Some OxyContin critics say these measures do not go far enough. As such, they are calling for a ban of the drug.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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