Prescription Drug Abuse

4 Drugs we’ll be talking about… Perceset Vicodin Oxycontin Xanax

Perceset Taken orally Available in 5, 10, and 20 mg. capsules Prescribed for post-operative pain control Derived from the opium poppy Abusers simply crush the tablets, then either ingest the resulting powder orally, intranasally, via intravenous, intramuscular or subcutnaous injection (by dissolving the powder), or rectally to achieve rapid absorption into the bloodstream.

Vicodin is a selective pain killer commonly seen as a white tablet with the name Vicodin can be addictive both physically and psychologically. Addiction to Vicodin is similar to other powerful addictions; cravings for the drug take hold of a person and may even supersede a person's need for food or water The symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal include but are not limited to extreme sensitivity to light and sound, restlessness, fever, muscle pain, bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, goose bumps, involuntary leg movements, watery eyes, runny nose, loss of appetite, irritability, panic, nausea, depression, chills, excessive sneezing for up to a week long and sweat.

OxyContin Percocet tablets (Oxycodone with acetaminophine) are routinely prescribed for post-operative pain control. Oxycodone is also used in treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain. The introduction of OxyContin in 1995 resulted in increasing patterns of abuse. Unlike Percocet, whose potential for abuse is limited by the presence of paracetamol, OxyContin contains only oxycodone and inert filler. Abusers simply crush the tablets, then either ingest the resulting powder [[[[orally]]]], intranasally, via intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (by dissolving the powder), or rectally to achieve rapid absorption into the bloodstream

Xanax Xanax is a short-acting drug in the benzodiazepine class used to treat anxiety disorders and as an adjunctive treatment for depression Although it is not manufactured illegally, it is often diverted to the black market. The state of relaxation, anxiolysis, disinhibition and euphoria induced by benzodiazepines is the main reason for their illicit use.

Uses in Eastern Kentucky These drugs are widely considered to be the four most abused prescription drugs in Eastern Kentucky. Users will do anything to obtain these to get their “fix” from bribing doctors to stealing prescription pads. Dealers who sell these can fetch up to as much $1.25 a milligram.