OxyContin Abuse Sky Rockets in Indiana

Between 1997 and 2005, there was a surge in retail sales of OxyContin across the state.  In southern Indiana, however, the surge was more like a tsunami.  Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Scott and Washington Counties collectively saw a 1234% increase in the retail sales of OxyContin.

The AP analysis had a number of possible explanations for this swell.  First, an increase in age of the population could mean that there are more older citizens seeking pain relief.  Second, there has been a change in attitude over the last decade about taking drugs for pain relief.  Finally, they pinpointed the extensive marketing and advertising by pharmaceutical companies, not only to the individual person, but also to doctors and doctor's offices, as a reason that the sales have increased.  People can ask for a product by name because they saw it on TV just last night.

The coordinator of the Southern Indiana Drug Task Force, Bob Amick, recalls the pharmaceutical companies flooding the region with sales reps in the late 90's to promote and sell painkillers like OxyContin.  After that time period, people inadvertently became addicted.  Now, the Task Force sees people "doctor-shopping" over the Kentucky border.  They see a doctor there, complain of pain and ask for OxyContin.  They will go to any number of different doctors and any number of different pharmacies to get the prescription filled without appearing to be suspicious. 

The unfortunate and scary part is the further dangers connected with drug abuse.  A 2006 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says that prescription drugs are the top cause of overdoses leading to emergency room visits.  This now tops cocaine. 

If you know someone with an addiction or suspect that a loved one may be fighting a substance abuse problem, contact www.drugrehabreferral.com right now.  There is no reason to wait for an emergency room visit to find effective drug rehab.