OxyContin abuse has especially spread among American teens. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that OxyContin use by 12th graders rose 40 percent nationwide in just three years. About 1 in 20 high school seniors now acknowledges taking OxyContin and five times more 12th graders report using OxyContin than report using methamphetamine. OxyContin use has remained more stable in the lower grades, with 1.8 percent of 8th graders and 3.2 percent of 10th graders reporting annual use in 2005.

As with most opiates, OxyContin abuse can cause the addict’s body to develop a tolerance for the drug and the abuser must continually use an increased amount of it to achieve the same initial effects. As the addict abuses higher doses over time, physical dependence and addiction easily develop. At this point, the body has adapted to the drug’s presence and withdrawal symptoms will likely occur if the abuse is reduced or halted.

OxyContin Street Names in America

Many Americans refer to drugs by their street names when looking to abuse them. OxyContin is often referred to as:

• Kicker
• OC
• Oxy
• OX
• Blue
• Oxycotton
• Hillybilly Heroin

“Doctor Shopping” In America

Doctor shopping is when an individual needs to obtain a doctor’s prescription to receive controlled substances, so they go to several doctors’ offices and fake some kind of pain. They are able to receive a large amount of the substance to use and/or abuse. This has been a major problem in southwestern Virginia and southern West Virginia. The Gilbert Police Department reports that OxyContin is the “worst” drug they have encountered, surpassing even marijuana.

OxyContin Treatment

If you or someone you know is abusing OxyContin and could use OxyContin treatment help, please call our toll free number today at (866) 872-6490. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about OxyContin addiction and OxyContin treatment. (Watch this OxyContin video.)

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