Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and first introduced to the U.S. market in 1996, oxycontin is an opioid analgesic synthesized from opium derived thebaine. It is currently formulated as either a single ingredient or compounded product (one compound example would be ibuprofen).
Generally prescribed as an oral medication to be used to relieve moderate to severe pain, by 2001, oxycontin was the best selling non-generic narcotic pain reliever in the U.S. And, by 2008, sales in the U.S. totaled $2.5 billion. Looking at these numbers alone, it is easy to see why oxycontin addiction in South Florida is a growing problem.
A study conducted by the Government Accountability Office in 2003 found three factors that are said to be contributing to the illicit use and distribution of oxycontin in the United States:
1) Oxycontin contains a larger amount of oxycodone when compared with other types of oxycodone containing pills.
2) The warning label on oxycontin instructs individuals to not crush the tablets due to the potential for rapid release. This has lead to many crushing the tablets and then injecting or snorting the drug.
3) By 2001, sales of oxycontin exceeded $1 billion in the U.S. alone.
The most common side effects reported by those using oxycontin include euphoria, memory loss, constipation, dry mouth and anxiety. Rarely, it can cause impotence and decreased testosterone secretion. However, when compared to morphine, it causes less respiratory depression, sedation and nausea.
There is a high risk of encountering severe withdrawal symptoms if and when an individual suddenly stops using the drug. Therefore, in cases where someone is fighting an oxycontin addiction in South Florida, or anywhere else in the U.S., it is recommended that he or she seek professional help.
The Delray Center for Healing has an array of treatment options and offers both inpatient and outpatient care. If you, or someone you know, is battling an addiction, get help today.
