IN THE CAROLINAS, OXYCONTIN ABUSE MAY HAVE PLAYED...

In the Carolinas, Oxycontin abuse may have played a role in the overdose
deaths of at least 97 people in 2000 and 2001. A majority were accidental,
most involving other substances.

At least another 104 died of an overdose in which oxycodone, the main
ingredient in OxyContin and about 59 other medications, caused or
contributed to the death. In those cases, it was unclear whether OxyContin
or another oxycodone-based pain pill was involved.

Among the estimated 201 dead:

A majority were white.

The average age was 40.

Almost two-thirds were men.

139 had levels of oxycodone that toxicologists say were high enough to
cause the death independently, though other drugs may have contributed; 46
had levels of oxycodone capable of causing the death only in combination
with other drugs. Oxycodone contributed indirectly in the remaining cases.

67 reportedly struggled with depression; 87 with chronic pain; 96 with drug
or alcohol addiction.

Three-fourths died of overdoses ruled accidental. Thirty-six were suspected
suicides, including 19 cases in which OxyContin may have played a role.

Twenty-three were in Spartanburg, the county with the highest death count.

An April Drug Enforcement Administration study found 464 deaths nationally
in which OxyContin may have played a role. Like a Charlotte (N.C.) Observer
study, the DEA report was able to conclude about half the oxycodone deaths
potentially involved OxyContin.

Purdue Pharma, OxyContin's manufacturer, counters most are caused by a
variety of drugs, and it's impossible to single out OxyContin.