What is OxyContin?

OxyContin is a legal narcotic painkiller often prescribed for relief of severe pain associated with injuries, back pain, arthritis, and pain associated with cancer. It is the timed-release tablet version of oxycodone, a Schedule II narcotic analgesic which is derived from opium. Oxycodone was originally developed in 1916 in Germany as a semi-synthetic opioid that would provide a less-addictive alternative to heroin. While OxyContin is less addictive than heroin, it is still a powerful central nervous system depressant that can easily take control of an abuser’s life.

The first known instances of OxyContin abuse in America were in isolated rural areas that have high unemployment and a large elderly/disabled population, especially in parts of Appalachia. While addiction rates are still highest in states like West Virginia and Kentucky, OxyContin abuse has spread to urban and suburban communities across the country.

One of the reasons that OxyContin addiction has spread is that it is readily available nationwide. As opposed to other drugs that have to be illicitly grown or imported, OxyContin can be found in most American pharmacies. OxyContin addicts commonly procure the drug by either “doctor shopping” (going from doctor to doctor to get several prescriptions) or purchasing OxyContin on the street, where the drug has a very high mark-up. Since these addicts are not taking the drug as directed, it is much more likely to lead to addiction. Many teens even crush OxyContin pills into a powder and then snort it to get high. This method bypasses the timed-release formula and gives them a heavy dose of the opiate all at once.