KEEPER, KILLER

Your article on OxyContin was very informative. I am glad to see the local
media finally addressing this problem more aggressively. But, if you dig a
little deeper on the subject you will find some amazing information. Did
you know that per capita Alaska prescribes more OxyContin than any other
state? So Dr. Jones' statement that we are under-prescribing in this state
is false, or he is misinformed. There are thousands of people addicted to
OxyContin in the state of Alaska, and they don't have cancer. And this
state does not have the rehabilitation facilities to handle the fallout
that will eventually come. The facilities in Alaska at this time are mainly
for alcohol, and do not know how to handle OxyContin withdrawal or rehab.
Two years ago I had to go to a rehab and recovery center in Seattle to get
off OxyContin (that was prescribed to me by a medical doctor) because the
facilities here are not equipped. Also, how many people have recovered from
OxyContin addiction in this state? Not many. The drug either keeps you or
kills you, very few have come out on the other side.

Again, I appreciate your newspaper helping the public be more aware of this
ongoing problem.

Jeannette Russell

Soldotna