Summary:
A new drug on the market, Oxycontin, is being very badly abused by teenagers today - even though it is a prescription drug. Oxycontin serves as a painkiller that is usually used on cancer patients. This heroin-like drug is supposed to only be used for severe cases such as chronic injuries.
She fights daily with addiction going to her friends' houses and consuming "oxycotton" by any means necessary. After this consuming of about 6 tablets she hits a major high that puts her in a coma and slowly deprives her of her breathing. The person that I am talking about is my cousin she has been battling this addiction for a couple of months now. I would like to speak to you all today to inform you of her problems, what you can do to prevent this, and also help after you are addicted.
Oxycontin is one of the newest drugs out on the market now. Oxycontin serves as a painkiller that is usually used on cancer patients. This heroin-like drug is supposed to only be used for severe cases such as chronic injuries. If used without a doctor prescribing it than it can be fatal. This drug is only meant to be swallowed whole. If melted or chewed or crunched up than it increases the instant affect and can cause major problems like respiratory depression and euphoria. The people that are abusing this drug start out by just "popping" the pill then that leads to snorting then to smoking and lastly to injecting.
Oxycontin is finding its way into the mouths of many young people. The most prominent age for abuse is from ages 18-25. Oxycontin is the number one selling brand-name prescription drug that is rapidly being abused. There are many different names for Oxycontin such as "oxy," "OC," "oxycotton," "killer," or "hillbilly heroin." Many people are confused on how these young kids obtain this drug. It's much easier than most people would think. They make up fake symptoms and travel to various doctors getting prescriptions. Some use other methods like stealing or forging prescriptions. There is still one question where does all this money come from? One 10-mg tablet costs between $5-10 and one 80-mg tablet costs between $65-80. The average abuser consumes at least 6-10 tablets a day, when the prescribed amount is one twice a day. The scariest thing about Oxycontin is you may not know you are addicted. If you have any ill feelings about the drug speak to a specialist immediately.
Oxycontin is very difficult to get off of. The most recommended treatment is Methadone. Methadone is used on many people trying to get off of heroin or many other prescription drugs. The only problem with methadone is that it is more addictive than Oxycontin. The most important thing is for the patient to realize he/she has a problem and should be placed into a detox center. If you try and deal with the withdrawals outside a hospital you have an increasing chance of death or long-term physical effects. Addicts may never fully recover many stay on low doses of methadone or repeatedly relapse throughout their lifetime.
Prescription drugs should only be used if prescribed by a doctor and you should only take the dosage specified. Oxycontin should never be abused. It can and will ruin your life whether or not you realize it. If you think you might be addicted see a specialist immediately, the earlier you realize you have a problem the easier it can be fixed. I hope all the information I have provided you with is helpful and to me it will be worth it even if I just help one of you.
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