When the makers of OxyContin - Purdue Pharma – altered their
formula in an attempt to inhibit OxyContin abuse, they had no way of knowing
the move would ultimately spawn a radical surge in heroin addiction throughout
the U.S. Though OxyContin abuse has decreased substantially over the past
couple years, heroin use has all but doubled.
Many law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S. are
reporting large pockets of heroin use in areas previously unknown to the drug.
In a recent study performed by researchers at Washington
University School of Medicine in St. Louis, over 2,500 individuals in 39 U.S.
states where questions about their transitions to heroin use.
Less Oxy Abuse
Of the 2,500 patients questioned, the most common response
provided by OxyContin users regarding their switch was, “Because of the
decrease availability of Oxycontin, I switched to heroin.”
Statistics:
- Heroin users have doubled from 2010 to 2012
- 30 day OxyContin users dropped from just above 47% to 30%
- OxyContin was listed by 36.6% of patients as their primary
drug in 2010
- The percentage dropped below 13% by 2012
Overdose More Likely
In an effort to feed their opioid addictions, OxyContin
users unable to access the drug shifted towards more powerful pain drugs, or to
heroin. With this development lies the all too real danger that users are much
more prone to accidental overdose.
Summary
Though the pressure is off Purdue Pharma, the repercussions
associated with their changes have ultimately resulted in a mass opioid
migration. Paved in good intentions, though it may be… the road we’re on does
not appear a shortcut to greener pastures.
