What is OxyContin

OxyContin: the new Killer on the Block - OxyContin or Oxycodone is rapidly becoming one of the most commonly abused drugs in America. - Even the famous son of Ozzy Osbourne, Jack, has recently dealt with an addiction to OxyContin. - OxyContin is being seen more and more in the news because of its popularity among all races and age groups A True Story of Abuse In October of 2003 famous political talk show host and ESPN sports announcer Rush Limbaugh announced that he had an addiction to OxyContin and he was checking into a rehab facility. He had been spending thousands of dollars on this addiction and it led to the slow demise of his job at ESPN, and essentially stained his reputation which is so important to people in the profession of political analysis. In the end his OxyContin addiction ruined his career and nearly took his life. (http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/10/10/rush.limbaugh/) OxyContin Background • OxyContin is an opiate meaning it is derived from the opium plant • OxyContin was originally marketed in 1996 although the drug existed since the 1960’s • OxyContin is a heavy pain killer, similar to morphine, prescribed to patients with constant moderate to intense levels of pain • It is designed to be swallowed and used by the body over a period of 8 hours • Abusers of OxyContin typically chew or snort the drug which releases all of the medicine intended to last for 8 hours in one high which can be very dangerous Physical Dangers of OxyContin Abuse Short Term Effects • Nausea • Vomiting • Slowed Hear Rate • Slowed Breathing Rate Long Term Effects • Endocarditis (Heart Infection) • Scarred or Collapsed Veins • Dangerous level of Addiction • Clogged Vessels • Itching • Drowsiness, Confusion for up to Six Hours • Dry Mouth • Extreme Fatigue • Liver Disease • Kidney Disease Song Lyrics “What have I become My sweetest friend Everyone I know Goes away in the end… I will let you down I will make you hurt” -Johnny Cash Psychological Effects OxyContin users have been known to resort to extreme methods to obtain the drug such as robbing nursing homes and faking pain for a prescription. OxyContin is very addictive when abused and the withdrawal from it can have extreme psychological effects. It can cause restlessness, chills and goose bumps, intense anxiety and insomnia. It is essential that people who have recently given up the drug are watched closely so they do not relapse. The Top Three Addiction The addiction to OxyContin is very strong and it can lead to a total dependency which will definitely affect the victim’s quality of life. Future An addiction to OxyContin can lead to poor decision making such as unprotected sex or breaking and entering which can send your life in an unwanted direction. Health The long term health effects of OxyContin are largely unknown, but in the short term it can lead to painful illnesses and even death. Help Resources 1. http://www.oxycontin-addiction-help.com/ (Information on legal advice for an OxyContin addiction) 2. http://www.addiction-help-line.com/oxycontin_addiction.html (Information on how to quit and stay OxyContin free for life) 3. http://www.medhelp.org/HealthTopics/Oxycontin.html (Offers links to many sites dealing with OxyContin addiction) Project Resources 1. http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/oxycontin/default.htm 2. http://health.howstuffworks.com/question706.htm 3. http://www.oxyabusekills.com/ 4. http://www.streetdrugs.org/oxycodone.htm 5. http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/oxycodone.html 6. http://www.drugs.com/oxycontin.html