OXYCONTIN: SOURCE OF DISTRESS OR DELIVERANCE?

I applaud USA TODAY's stance on the need to hold off the stampede to
restrict OxyContin prescriptions (''DEA overreaches in effort to stop abuse
of painkiller,'' Our View, Controlling drug use debate, June 13).

As an addiction psychiatrist who treats many patients who have chronic
pain, I know that narcotic painkillers such as OxyContin play an important
role in improving people's lives.

The prescribing of short-acting painkillers such as regular oxycodone --
for example, Percocet -- gives poor relief for chronic pain and contributes
to the development of addiction because of the need for frequent
administration.

Therefore, restricting OxyContin, which is long acting, will only increase
its use and lead to more -- not less -- drug misuse.

The Drug Enforcement Administration's reaction to the predictable increase
in problems associated with increased prescribing is hysterical and will
only set back efforts to support doctors who provide adequate pain relief.

Mark L. Willenbring, M.D.

Associate professor of psychiatry

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minn.