OXYCONTIN A GODSEND FOR THOSE IN EXCRUCIATING PAIN

Before my mother died, OxyContin was prescribed for excruciating pain due
to hip and pelvic fractures and osteoarthritis. This medication was a
godsend to her. Richard Hall of the West Virginia State Police is quoted as
saying that, "If a tire can be recalled, why shouldn't this be?"

Rolly Sullivan, head of addiction programs at West Virginia University
School of Medicine said, "I've don't believe we've ever seen as aggressive
a marketing campaign."

Hall suggests that we just deny everyone the drug because some people are
abusing it or selling it.

Sullivan says that the manufacturer has played a role in this abuse of the
drug because of its marketing strategy.

Rep. Alan Mollohan said he would "vote right now" to prohibit the drug from
being dispensed for moderate pain.

How misguided, shortsighted, and misinformed can three people be?

It is the responsibility of physicians to prescribe medication and to
assess the level of pain an individual is experiencing, law enforcement to
deal with any criminal behavior, and politicians to stay out of it.

Do these three individuals ever listen to themselves or read their own quotes?

Linda L. Jones

Martinsburg