Posted on January 19, 2010

There is a growing problem on high school campuses throughout the nation. More and more of today’s high school students are becoming addicted to the popular pain medication, OxyCodone.

A new report in the Auburn Journal shows that this drug is attractive not only because of its effectiveness in treating pain, but also its ability to stabilize moods and as a tool for relaxation or to lower anxiety.

It is the mood altering effects of the drug that often cause it to be used recreationally. The drug also delivers a warm, fuzzy feeling, which leads to dizziness, fatigue and severe headaches. In more extreme cases the drug can also cause circulatory collapse, shallow breathing and even death.

The risk of overdose can be extraordinarily high with OxyCodone simply because you never know how much you are taking. And, if a tolerance builds, the user is at even more risk.

“OxyCodone is prescribed based on how much pain you are in and your weight. When you take someone else’s medication that is made for them, you’re always putting yourself at risk,” said one local pharmacist in the Auburn Journal.

The rise in use of OxyCodone is also a result of its lucrative street value. When sold on the street, this drug can be valued at as much as $80. Not only has the street market driven use, it also drives individuals to get a prescription in order to sell on the street for a profit.

A study completed in 2005 found that one in 20 high school students admitted to either knowing or having tried the drug. When the study was done again in 2009, one in 10 knew someone involved with the drug.