Limiting the Abuse of Oxycontin
Oxycontin has been used as a powerful painkiller for about the last 13
years. It is listed as a Schedule II controlled substance in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The generic form of this drug is known as oxycodone, and Oxycontin is just a controlled release form of the medication, allowing for longer lasting effects. In clinical circles, oxycontin is administered as a pain relief agent for trauma to the body. It is used in cases of severe illnesses, fractures, and surgery recovery. Primarily it is only to be used in short term instances from a few days to a few weeks at the most, expected in cases of terminal illness.
Abusive Nature
Due to its addictive nature, Oxycontin is widely known for its abuse by thousands and thousands of people across the world. Addicts are attracted by its mood altering effects and euphoria-induced states. This has led to a significant increase in the illegal trafficking of oxycontin. Oxycontin is often moved through pharmacy diversion, physicians writing illegal prescriptions, faked (non-doctor) prescriptions, and theft. A few years ago in Australia, some 250,000 prescriptions for narcotics and codeine-based medications were given to about nine thousand known abusers. In the United States at the beginning of the decade, the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse estimates that close to a million people were reported as having used Oxycontin for nonmedical use.
Curbing Oxycontin Addiction
The primary concern of the Drug Enforcement Agency in regards to Oxycontin is to limit over-prescription of the drug. A pilot program has been established to monitor how Oxycontin is prescribed, and have introduced regulations over the availability of the drug. Also local law enforcement has been asked for assistance in combating illegal use of the opiate. Purdue Pharma, makers of Oxycontin, is also willing to cooperate with government agencies to diminish Oxycontin abuse.
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