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The introduction of OxyContin in 2000 resulted in increasing patterns of
abuse. Unlike Percocet, whose potential for abuse is limited by the presence of
acetaminophen, OxyContin contains only oxycodone and inert filler. Abusers
crush the tablets to defeat the time-release mechanism, and snort or inject the
resulting powder to achieve rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Abusers have
also been known to simply chew the pill or remove the time release coating and
swallow. A common myth is that Oxycontin is dangerous only when used with other
mood or mind altering drugs. This is false. Due to the high level of narcotic in
the drug, Oxycontin can be fatal to anyone who isn't extremely tolerant to
narcotic painkillers. And it can make non-tolerant users extremely sick in even
its smallest dose of 10mg. It was once felt that "combination" opioids (those
that contain one or more additional, non-narcotic ingredients) would be less
subject to abuse, since, for example, the amount of acetaminophen present in
large overdoses of Percocet would cause stomach upset and liver damage. However,
it has been demonstrated that abusers seeking the euphoric "high" are not
deterred by the gastrologic symptoms. Similar thinking also once motivated
Canadian authorities to package oral methadone for use only in combination with
Tang, an orange-flavored beverage powder, in hopes that it would only be taken
correctly. However, it was still abused.
Oxycodone has similar effects to morphine and heroin, and appeals to the same
abuse community. Armed robberies of pharmacies where the robber demanded only
OxyContin, not cash, have occurred and seem to be on the rise. In some areas,
particularly the eastern U.S., OxyContin has been the drug of greatest concern
to enforcement authorities. Oxycodone abuse has been especially problematic in
Appalachia; because of this, the drug has earned the nickname hillbilly heroin.
Because Oxycodone is highly regulated, when acquired illegally it is quite
expensive. Street prices in Washington, DC, for example, have been reported to
be anywhere from fifty cents to one dollar per milligram.
Like other opium derivatives, oxycodone is fatal at high doses or when combined
with depressants such as alcohol. Several documented fatalities from OxyContin
abuse have been made public.
On October 10, 2003, talk radio personality Rush Limbaugh made a public
admission of addiction to prescription pain medication, including OxyContin, and
announced his intention to pursue inpatient treatment. Also in 2003,
singer/actress Courtney Love was arrested for OxyContin abuse.
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