Because of the growing number of people dying due to oxycontin abuse, it is important to know that because this particular drug contains oxycodone in its purest form, it is often abused. It is not mixed with an over the counter analgesic like most other pain medications and therefore is more likely to be abused. People by-pass the time-release action of the medication by crushing or chewing it in order to achieve the full effect of the Oxycodone. Others mix the powder with water and inject it, making it a drug very similar to Heroin.
An alarming number of people have died from Oxycontin abuse. Because one of the major side effects of the drug is respiratory depression, taking too much of the drug can lead to cardio-pulmonary problems. Oxycontin is known as “the poor mans Heroin” and people who have never injected drugs before are using Oxy intravenously. Ironically, the high street value of the drug causes many people to turn to the lower priced Heroin when they are unable to satisfy their Oxycontin abuse. Many people also crush the pill and snort the powder. These methods deliver straight Oxycodone directly into the system. People do not realize how easy it is to overdose from Oxycontin abuse.
Oxycontin abuse can easily become deadly, particularly if the abuser is taking other medications or drinking alcohol.
Oxycontin abuse can easily become deadly, particularly if the abuser is taking other medications or drinking alcohol. The number of poly-pharmaceutical deaths (taking more than one drug) is astounding. Teenagers have an alarming death rate due to this practice. People are either prescribed or illegally taking medications like Xanax, then taking the Oxycontin on top of that. Many other people consume alcohol (also a drug) either before or after taking the Oxycontin. Alarmingly, Oxycontin abuse is beginning to take the lead in drug related deaths across America, especially on the east coast.
Unfortunately, the phrases “drug abuse” and “drug addiction” have been used for so long that some do not stop to realize the impact. Family members have to bury their loved ones because of Oxycontin abuse and it is happening more and more frequently. Emergency rooms are seeing more people coming in with side effects of Oxycontin abuse. It is not a joke, and it is not an over-statement. Oxycontin abuse can and does kill. A drug that was supposedly manufactured to ease the discomfort of people in extreme pain has instead become many abusers drug of choice.
If you have a loved one who is addicted to Oxycontin, get him or her to check in an effective drug rehab, before it is too late.
Nick Hayes is a graduate of the Narconon drug rehab program in 2005. Nick takes much enjoyment in writing, and feels there needs to be more information about drugs and alcohol provided to the people of the world. He believes nobody should have to go through an addiction. 