http://www.oxycontinaddiction.info/http://www.oxycontinaddiction.info/injecting-oc.htm The most widely used diversion technique at the street level is doctor shopping. Individuals who may or may not have a legitimate ailment requiring a doctors prescription for OxyContin visit numerous doctors, sometimes in several states, to acquire large amounts of OxyContin which they abuse or sell to others.
Individuals who abuse OxyContin by injecting the crushed tablets quickly become addicted. Injecting OxyContin requires a preparation regimen similar to that of heroin. This allows the abuser to receive the full effect of the pure Oxycodone almost immediately. This creates an effect similar to illicit opioid narcotics, such has heroin. Such a regimen requires the removal of the tablet coating by either sucking on it or scraping it with the teeth or a razor blade, followed by melting the remainder on a spoon, adding water, and then injecting the solution. Dissolving and injecting the contents of OxyContin can slow down or stop breathing and lead to death. Injecting OxyContin can also kill the tissue around the injection site and trigger heart and lung problems.
Signs of OxyContin addiction may include withdrawal symptoms when the OxyContin is discontinued, requests for OxyContin at frequent intervals around the clock, personality changes
Continued increases in the diversion and abuse of OxyContin are likely. Reliable strength, potential prescription cost coverage, and significant profit potential make OxyContin attractive to both illicit distributors and abusers.
OxyContin addiction is serious and is very difficult to overcome through out-patient or home treatment.