|
Oxycontin Addiction:
Oxycontin is a prescription painkiller used for moderate to high
pain relief associated with injuries, bursitis, dislocations, fractures, neuralgia,
arthritis, lower back pain and pain associated with cancer. It contains oxycodone,
an opium derivative and is produced in a time released tablet. Oxycontin commonly
referred to as OC, OX, Oxy, Oxycotton and kicker, was introduced in 1996 and has
had a rapid escalation of abuse. The tablets can be chewed, crushed and snorted
like cocaine, crushed and dissolved in water and then injected like heroin. The
most serious side effect is respiratory depression, particularly dangerous for
the elderly. Oxycontin
addiction and demand has resulted in pharmacy robberies and forged
prescriptions. The estimated number of people aged 12 or older with an oxycontin
addiction has increased from 1.9 million in 2002, to 3.1 million in 2004.
The largest increase occurred among young adults aged 18 to 25.Binge Drinking:
According to a rent study conducted by Kathryn Graham, et al of the University of Western Ontario psychology department "Depression is most strongly related to a pattern of binge drinking,"
Binge Drinking is defined in the study as consuming at least 5 alcoholic beverages at one sitting.
Whether Binge Drinking resulted in the development depression or whether depression contributed to a persons binge drinking was unclear in this study.
Drug Rehabilitation
Drug Rehabilitation
is an umbrella term for a variety of processes by which a person addicted to a
drug stops using that drug. These processes can vary from cold turkey to the use
of substitute drugs which do not have the same action upon the state of consciousness
as the original drug to which the person was addicted.
|
|
 |
 |
|
analysis |
|
| |
|
books
& articles | reports |
Books & Articles
- Controversies
in the Addictions Field Online book written by Ruth Engs:
Analyzes major drug controversies from different perspectives, including
minimum age laws, pregnancy and addiction, drug testing, and advertising
- Drinking
Dilemma U.S. News and World Report article suggests alternatives
to abstinence in treating alcohol problems
- DrugSense
A "drug policy reading room" with essays critical of DARE,
the drug war, and law enforcement approaches
- Drug
Policy Debate The Schaffer Library for Drug Policy, which
opposes current "drug war" tactics, has compiled a list
of debate manuals that have been formulated by "pro" and
"con" organizations; includes the Drug Enforcement Administration
debate manual
- DrugText
Extensive articles, books, and reports related to international drug
policies and harm reduction
- Drug
Use as a Social Construct
Online book written by Peter Cohen of the Centre for Drug Research,
University of Amsterdam
- Informing
America's Policy on Illegal Drugs This
2001 book from the National Academy Press analyzes the drug war and
its effect on treatment of drug users
- Public
Agenda: Illegal Drugs
Set of articles laying out different perspectives on drug war debate
- Schaffer
Library of Drug Policy Extensive library on drugs and drug
policy, takes an international perspective
- Stanton
Peele Addiction Web Site
Website of controversial social psychologist who is critical of the
disease model; numerous thought-provoking articles taking an experiential
and environmental perspective to addiction
- Thomas
S. Szasz, M.D. Cybercenter for Liberty and Responsibility
Site devoted to the writings of Dr. Szasz, who argues from a libertarian
perspective that drug-taking is an issue of personal responsibility;
site developed by Dr. Jeffrey Schaler
Reports
- Center
for AIDS Prevention Services: Needle Exchange Report Review
of the latest findings in needle exchange programs
- Drug
Wars
PBS Frontline series that examines the 30-year history of America's
war on drugs. Reviews this $400 billion business from the perspectives
of the "drug warriors" and buyers; includes transcripts,
as well as a teacher guide
- Global
Drugs Trade
This British Broadcasting Corporation special report details the multibillion
dollar worldwide drug trade, estimating about 50 million drug users
around the world; this site covers key aspects of production, trafficking,
and use of drugs in different parts of the world
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
