OxyContin Addiction

Schick Shadel Hospital understands the import of the current and increasing misuse of OxyContin and has supplied specific information* for those who may be addicted to this prescription "heroin substitute" drug. Schick Shadel continues to successfully treat those addicted to OxyContin with our unique aversion therapy.

OxyContin is a prescriptive pain reliever and acts as a central nervous system depressant. Its diversion and abuse is currently a major problem, especially in the eastern United States. Because of its pharmaceutical effects, OxyContin is a suitable substitute for heroin and is, therefore, an attractive drug for the heroin abuser population. Because it is a prescriptive substance, many health insurance policies will cover its cost. When health insurance will no longer pay for OxyContin, the lower priced street heroin may then be an attractive alternative with devastating effects.

OxyContin is a trade name product for the generic narcotic oxycodone hydrochloride, an opiate agonist. Opiate agonists provide pain relief by acting on opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord and perhaps even directly in the body's tissues. They act like morphine, the most effective pain reliever available. OxyContin is an oral, controlled-release pill that acts for 12 hours, making it the longest lasting oxycodone now marketed.

Oxycodone is prescribed for pain relief with many types of injuries, post-operatively and for relief after childbirth. Other oxycodone products include Percocet, Percodan and Tylox. Repeated use of the drug can result in tolerance development (a resistance to the drug's effect). Those who abuse OxyContin or other oxycodone products seek to gain not only the mitigation of pain but also the euphoric effects and to avoid withdrawal symptoms. In short, they become addicted.

OxyContin tablets are normally swallowed whole. They can, however, be chewed or crushed to powder and snorted. Because it is also water soluble, it can be dissolved to a solution and injected.

* Information taken directly from the "Information Bulletin" of the U.S. Department of Justice January 2001 publication titled "OxyContin Diversion and Abuse" distributed by the Washington State Alcohol-Drug Clearinghouse.