1. OxyContin
THESIS STATEMENT: With the recent overdose deaths and rise in criminal activity linked to the abuse of the painkiller OxyContin local and state officials as well as the drug's manufacturer, Purdue Pharma, have began taking steps in curbing it's abuse.
I. The Problem with OxyContin.
A. What OxyContin is.
1. Intended use.
2. Abuse.
B. Severity of OxyContin Abuse.
1. Deaths linked to OxyContin.
2. Crimes linked to OxyContin.
II. Solutions.
A. Steps Government Officials are Taking to Stop Abuse.
1. Fingerprinting System.
2. Computer Monitoring.
3. Stopping Drug Diversion.
B. What Purdue Pharma is Doing to Stop Abuse.
1. Ten Point Plan.
2. Manufacturing a New Pill .
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Michael Curran .
Mrs. Holley .
Eng. 102.
5 August 2001.
OxyContin: Savior or Killer?.
Once hailed as a major breakthrough in the medical field, the painkiller OxyContin has become a drug of serious scrutiny following the recent outbreak of its abuse along with the fatalities and crimes associated with it's abuse. The abuse of this prescription drug designed to alleviate severe pain has become the single greatest drug threat in rural areas from Florida to Maine (Sappenfield 29). OxyContin's legitimate use as a painkiller is to treat people who suffer from chronic pain. It contains the active ingredient Oxycodone that is also the active ingredient in other painkillers such as percocet, percodan, and tylox.
OxyContin has been called a "miracle drug" by people suffering from chronic pain because it is the only drug that contains Oxycodone and is available in a time-release form (Cohen 27). The time-release function of OxyContin is important because it allows a measured dose of Oxycodone to be released into the patient's bloodstream over a period of time. One pill can stop the pain for up to twelve hours (Yetter 2). This is not only an important tool for a person suffering of chronic pain, but it is also a prime target for drug abusers looking for a quick "high.".
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Abusers of OxyContin are usually drawn to the drug because of its purity and availability, something that isn't found in all illicit drugs (White 22).