Opiates: Oxycodone and Hydrocodone Abuse on the Rise

Many opiates, such as Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, have seen a dramatic increase in abuse over the last several years. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH) showed that lifetime use of Oxycodone increased 47%, and that of Hydrocodone 27%. In addition, the Drug Abuse Warning

Network showed that Oxycodone single use (not in combination with other drugs) increased a staggering 295%.

These prescribed drugs are obtained on the street from numerous sources or from individuals who visit many different doctors with fake symptoms to obtain multiple prescriptions for the drugs.

A favorite of abusers is OxyContinR', the number-one prescribed Schedule II narcotic in the U.S., whose only active ingredient is Oxycodone. By chewing, snorting or injecting, abusers defeat the intended time-release action to gain a euphoric high - similar to that of heroin but without the withdrawal symptoms. These drugs are highly addictive and are also responsible for sharp rises in emergency room visits and deaths over the past several years.

Aurico recommends that employers add expanded Opiates to their drug testing panel to screen out applicants and to send a message to employees that illegal drug abuse will not be tolerated as a part of your Drug Free Work Place policy.   For more information please contact your Aurico representative.