Anti-drug abuse measure drives many addicts to heroin

[steve2470]

http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/drugs/la-heb-oxycontin-heroin-drug-abuse-20120711,0,4598801.story

In the record book of unintended consequences, this one's sure to be a groan-worthy entry: A frightening rise in addiction to the drug OxyContin prompts a reformulation that makes the prescription pain medication harder to abuse. So addicts switch to heroin instead.

Clearly, not the hoped-for effect. But according to a letter published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, it's a switch that appears to be happening across the country -- especially in rural and suburban communities, where OxyContin abuse and addiction had gained a firm foothold.

In August 2010, the makers of the opioid pain reliever OxyContin, Purdue Pharma LP, rolled out a new version of OxyContin designed to thwart efforts to crush, split, grind or dissolve the tablet in water. Those abusing the drug had routinely broken the original slow-release version of the tablet and snorted or injected it -- actions which afforded an intense high.

While the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration applauded the new tamper-proof formulation, officials there did warn that emergency departments might see an uptick in drug-abuse-related visits, as OxyContin abusers endured withdrawal or embraced new ways to get high.

[HopeHoops]

1. I use oxycodone (same thing but with acetamenophen) and I don't find it to be a "good" high.

It does weird me out for a while, but it's not something I'd go after for recreational purposes. It just takes away pain.

[spinbaby]

2. My opinion, too

A couple of years ago in the hospital I got some very large doses of narcotics and couldn't imagine how anyone could become addicted to the stuff--makes my eyes drift and lose focus and puts me in a weird state where I can neither sleep nor stay awake.

I think a lot of addiction has to to with individual body chemistry. Some people have a chemistry that likes narcotics, tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, or whatever. Probably everyone has a substance they can become addicted to. Mine is sugar.

[Rhiannon12866]

3. Same with me.

I had three surgeries in seven years and was on serious painkillers after and between surgeries. I admit to sometimes taking a little too much, but that was because I really hurt. After surgery three, I didn't need painkillers anymore, haven't thought of them since. Unfortunately, my drug of choice is alcohol, and that's what caused me problems. I've been sober three years as of April. Lots of folks in AA won't take painkillers even if they're in real pain because of the addiction issue. For me, that's not a problem. If I broke my leg today, I'd take whatever they gave me. I agree that it has to be chemistry...

[AJTheMan]

4. Caffeine is my addiction. Can't stray from the Sodas. nt

[XemaSab]

5. I am amazed by how body chemistry is individual

I know people who have become slaves to booze, weed, vicodin... you name it.

I can kinda sorta see the appeal to each of them in moderation, but I don't get the addiction to any of them.

My grandma, the doctor told her to limit herself to 8 vicodin a day. She takes at least 12 a day, plus fentanyl, morphine, and oxy when she can get them.

If I did that I would be a doped up cranky beeeeeee-yotch. Kinda like my grandma.

[HopeHoops]

6. EEEK - fentanyl!!!! I had the patches for a few short days - threw up constantly the whole time.

The patches left what looked like burn marks on my skin. Finally my wife convinced me to tear the last one off and call the doctor for something else. That's some nasty stuff.

[DiverDave]

7. The new reformulation is so hard to break down

that some people report it goes right through without changing at all.
Resulting in more pain and withdrawals.
Once again pain patients get the shaft.
I know, I'm one of them.