EVERYONE STANDS TO LOSE EVERYONE MUST FIGHT

Abuse of OxyContin, a medication designed to help people suffering moderate
to severe chronic pain, continues to be a problem fueling crime in both
West Virginia and Virginia. The painkiller lasts 12 hours when taken
according to instructions, but abusers grind up the tablets and then inject
or snort the resulting dust, giving them a heroin-like high. This makes the
medicine popular among drug addicts and people looking for a way to make
quick money.

Of course, addicts need money, often thousands of dollars, to pay for
OxyContin. They find the cash by committing burglaries and other crimes. A
growing percentage of burglaries and thefts have some connection to
OxyContin and other painkillers. Addicts either sell the stolen goods to
obtain the money they need or exchange them for drugs. If stealing is not
an option, they forge prescriptions or try to trick physicians into
prescribing the drug.

That addicts and illicit suppliers are prepared to commit so many crimes
makes OxyContin abuse a problem afflicting everyone. People who do not use
OxyContin in any matter whatsoever still pay the costs for abuse when
somebody breaks into a home or business. Everyone stands to lose if the
addiction epidemic continues to spread. Law enforcement agencies, court
systems and health care providers must spend huge amounts of taxpayers'
money to combat the problem.

Some solutions are being sought. Measures such as more education for health
care providers and tamper resistant prescription pads are being introduced,
plus manufacturers are developing painkillers that are not as easy to abuse.

Offering treatment to OxyContin addicts would be another good way to
control the epidemic. Addicts would be more likely to seek help if they
knew where to turn.

There is no quick and easy solution that will end the cycle of OxyContin
abuse. Ending the problem will takes years worth of patience and a
substantial investment. The price tag more than likely will be high, but
not as high as the one continued abuse will generate.

The abuse of OxyContin and other prescription painkillers ripples through
society. Abuser generates more burdens for health care systems and law
enforcement agencies. Property owners must absorb losses when addicts steal
in order to feed their habits. And worst of all, many addicts - and others
- - lose their lives.

The public needs to support efforts to halt the abuse of painkillers while
meeting the needs of those who truly need the medication.