Addiction to prescription drugs is one of the fastest growing problems today. While dependence on other intoxicants like hard drugs and alcohol are well documented and verified, addiction to prescription medicines is a newer phenomenon. However, it is possibly more dangerous as it is easier to get your hands on ‘legal’ medicines than, say, heroin or cocaine.
The use of opioids in treating pain has to be one of the oldest methods of medication. Derived from the poppy plant, they have been used for centuries. One of the popular opioid-based medicines being distributed today is oxycodone. Used to treat moderate to severe pain, it was developed way back in 1916 in Germany. Today, it is sold by many brand names, one of them being OxyContin.
An oral medicine, OxyContin is considered safe if used under supervision and moderation. But it is rising in popularity as a recreational drug which is why there have been reports of oxy overdose. When abused, the drug is ground and snorted and is described by users as giving a bigger high than even heroin.
The addiction to OxyContin is so widespread that some pharmacies fear stocking their shelves with the drug in case they are robbed. Since its introduction in 1995, the drug has seen a dramatic increase in abuse. OxyContin in Florida is available more readily than in other states as it hasn’t implemented a monitoring program like the others. This program monitors prescriptions of OxyContin and allows that doctors and pharmacists first review a patient’s medical records and prescription drug use history before writing a prescription for such potent medicines.
Because of this, patients tend to flock to other states where such drugs are more readily prescribed. Since prescription of OxyContin in Florida has less restriction, the state sees a high number of out-of-state patients seeking prescriptions. In fact, it is said that Florida prescribes OxyContin at five times the national average.
The tendency for people to quickly become addicted to prescription medicines like OxyContin is posing a big problem for pharmacists and patients alike. Those who need it only for medical purposes are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain any as many stores do not like to stock it, owing to occurrences of theft and robberies.
An oxy overdose shows symptoms like pupils which do not dilate, respiratory depression, confusion, drowsiness, mood shifts, nausea, vomiting, constipation and decreased mental function. If not taken to a hospital immediately, victims can go into a coma and die.
