March 19, 2008
What Is Oxycontin?
Oxycontin is a powerful narcotic pain reliever that has been nicknamed “Hillbilly Heroin.” It is still prescribed, although not often, for pain relief after surgery. It is very potent and just as addictive as heroin, except it is legal. Radio personality Rush Limbaugh was addicted to Oxycontin and, like many other addicts, used illegal means to get the drug.
Unlike street drugs, people become addicted to prescription drugs almost unwittingly. The drugs are prescribed by their doctor, whom they trust, and are very effective at relieving pain or making someone feel good. Naturally, everyone wants to feel good. So they continue to take the drugs. Pretty soon, the doctor cuts off the supply and the person, who is now an addict, resorts to alternative means to get the pills that they so now desperately need.
Withdrawal from Oxycontin is like heroin withdrawal. No one wants to go through that and, because the drug is legal, it seems more convenient to find a new source for the drug. When the sources dry up, other means are used to obtain the pills.
Pain medications, such as Oxycontin and Vicodin, are meant only to be used for a short term basis. If you are using the drug for longer than a few weeks, talk to your doctor about withdrawal. There are also rehab facilities available such as Mark Houston Recovery, a drug and alcohol rehab center in Texas.