OXYCONTIN AVAILABILITY, ADDICTION A GROWING PROBLEM

There is a huge problem in this country that is just starting to get
the attention it deserves: the addiction to Oxycontin and the doctors
who are writing these prescriptions for profit and kickbacks from the
pharmaceutical companies.

Some doctors are going to jail, as they should.

If they don't know that getting off this drug is harder than getting
off heroin, they either don't care because of the profits or they are
blind to addiction.

Being clean and sober for 18 years and as the assistant director of a
halfway house, as well as being involved in drug court, I see this
drug addiction growing each year.

Just this week I know of a 66-year-old woman who overdosed on this drug.

Another man I know even told his doctor he is an addict and alcoholic
and was still prescribed Oxycontin for minor back pains. He said
Oxycontin is worse than any drug he has ever used to get off of,
including heroin.

The only ones putting up a defense are the police and the court system.

Addicts who just moved to Naples have told me they were shocked at
how many doctors write prescriptions for Oxycontin and how easy it is
to get it here.

Anything for a buck. So what if it ruins lives?

I plan to go after a few of these doctors myself with the courts' help.

Don't look for any help from Democrats or Republicans in high office
for help. They are getting bought and paid for with contributions
from the drug companies.

Most of you just don't know it.

Guest Commentary by MARK MOSS, Special to the Daily News