Pubdate: Tue, 09 Oct 2007
Source: Naples Daily News (FL)
Copyright: 2007 Naples Daily News.
Contact:  http://www.naplesnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/284
Author: Mark Moss, Special to the Daily News
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/oxycontin.htm (Oxycontin/Oxycodone)

OXYCONTIN AVAILABILITY, ADDICTION A GROWING PROBLEM

There is a huge problem in this country that is just starting to get 
the attention it deserves: the addiction to Oxycontin and the doctors 
who are writing these prescriptions for profit and kickbacks from the 
pharmaceutical companies.

Some doctors are going to jail, as they should.

If they don't know that getting off this drug is harder than getting 
off heroin, they either don't care because of the profits or they are 
blind to addiction.

Being clean and sober for 18 years and as the assistant director of a 
halfway house, as well as being involved in drug court, I see this 
drug addiction growing each year.

Just this week I know of a 66-year-old woman who overdosed on this drug.

Another man I know even told his doctor he is an addict and alcoholic 
and was still prescribed Oxycontin for minor back pains. He said 
Oxycontin is worse than any drug he has ever used to get off of, 
including heroin.

The only ones putting up a defense are the police and the court system.

Addicts who just moved to Naples have told me they were shocked at 
how many doctors write prescriptions for Oxycontin and how easy it is 
to get it here.

Anything for a buck. So what if it ruins lives?

I plan to go after a few of these doctors myself with the courts' help.

Don't look for any help from Democrats or Republicans in high office 
for help. They are getting bought and paid for with contributions 
from the drug companies.

Most of you just don't know it.

Guest Commentary by MARK MOSS, Special to the Daily News
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman