In this study, we report systematic data to indicate that opioid analgesic abuse has in fact increased among street and recreational drug users, with OxyContin and hydrocodone products the most frequently abused.
Steps need to be taken to reduce prescription drug abuse, but very great care needs to be exercised in the nature of these actions so the legitimate and appropriate use of these drugs in the treatment of pain is not compromised as a result. It is also one of the most highly abused substances by teens, being only second to marijuana. While the drug is often obtained through a prescription, it is equally, and illegally, available to young adults through the underground market.
Oxycontin is a synthetic name-brand medication prescribed for around-the-clock pain relief. It is generally taken for a severe injury, post-surgery, or for alleviating symptoms of medical conditions like cancer. Its effects, when taken as prescribed, can last up to twelve hours, providing its users with consistent pain relief in one single pill. Oxycontin, at first, was seen as a breakthrough medication for this very reason: its time-release capsule allowed the active ingredient, Oxycodone, to slowly expel into the body over a long period of time, allowing its users to sleep through the night.
But as the drug became more popular, more people figured out how to speed up this process, making it very appealing to young adults looking for an easy high. Those who abuse Oxycontin will most often crush or chew the drug to remove its time-release coating. They will then snort its powder, or lace it with other drugs to enhance its effects. Being a soluble pill, users may also inject Oxycontin to obtain a more immediate rush.
These pills come in various shapes, sizes, and colors depending on the dose and brand. Oxycodone is also sometimes prescribed in a liquid form.
It is often prescribed in combination with other drugs including Acetaminophen, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen. Some of the most common brand names for Oxycodone-based drugs are:. OxyContin is one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs. Many people bypass the time-release action by crushing and snorting OxyContin or by dissolving the tablets in water and injecting the solution.
This allows the user to achieve the full effect of the drug at once. Percocet Percocet is a combination of Oxycodone and Acetaminophen the active ingredient in Tylenol. It is commonly prescribed for a number of conditions.
Similar to OxyContin, crushing and snorting Percocet is a common method of abuse. Other modes of abuse include taking more than the prescribed Percocet dosage, taking the drug for longer than the prescribed period of time, and chewing or injecting Percocet. Roxicodone Roxicodone is a rapid release formula of Oxycodone that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is often given to a patient before surgery to sedate or calm them and for around-the-clock pain management.
When abused, the drug causes a very quick high in the user. People who abuse Roxicodone often crush or melt down the tablets to be smoked or injected.
People prescribed an Oxycodone-based Painkiller may be suffering from cancer, arthritis, or other physical disorders, or they may receive a short-term prescription after surgery or trauma. Prescription forms of Oxycodone are designed to provide around-the-clock relief. Oxycodone is made by modifying Thebaine, an organic chemical found in Opium. Designated as an Opioid or semi-Synthetic Opiate, Oxycodone shares a general classification with Heroin , Hydrocodone , and Oxymorphone.
This means that, although it has a definite medical purpose, there is a high potential for abuse. Taking more than the prescribed dosage, taking the drug for longer than recommended by a doctor, or ingesting the drug through chewing, injecting, or snorting all constitute abuse of Oxycodone.
Many people abuse Oxycodone for its euphoric effects. With approximately 32 million prescriptions written in for Percocet alone, the wide use and acceptance of Oxycodone in the medical community to treat patients with moderate to severe pain is clear. Because prescription Painkiller use is generally accepted in society, it can be difficult to identify or address Oxycodone abuse.
Especially in the cases of legitimate prescriptions, it can be hard to tell the difference between an acceptable dose and abuse. A good telltale sign of abuse is when an individual runs out of their prescription before their next script is available for refill.
OxyContin and heroin have similar effects; therefore, both drugs are attractive to the same abuser population. OxyContin is sometimes referred to as "poor man's heroin," despite the high price it commands at the street level. OxyContin is, however, relatively inexpensive for those covered by health insurance, since the insurance provider covers most costs associated with doctor visits and the prescription.
Unfortunately, many OxyContin abusers whose health insurance will no longer pay for prescriptions and who cannot afford the high street-level prices are attracted to heroin. For example, in West Virginia the availability of lower cost heroin is attracting many OxyContin abusers who have never used heroin.
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