Dear Dr. Bob,
My friend is addicted to Oxycontin and Norcos, I think. She continually talks about them and always seems to be wanting to use them. Are these more addictive than other drugs?
Audrey
Dear Audrey,
OxyContin is the brand name for oxyxodone, also called OC. Norcos is a generic name for hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Popular brand names for hydrocodone and acetaminophen are Norco and Vicodin. Both are prescription narcotic pain killers that are orally administered and can also be snorted and injected. They have the same constipating side effects as other opiates.
Prescription pain killers are one area of drug abuse in the United States that has skyrocketed. Oxycodone is probably the most common non generic pain reliever used in the United States. And the United States uses about 80% of all the oxycodone produced. Pharmaceutical manufacturers have allegedly reformulated the ingredients starting in 2010 and are using crush proof pills to stem the tide of abuse. The use of these drugs are very common amongst adolescents who have free access to their parents or neighbors' prescription pain relievers.
Whereas some publications and professionals use the term dependence and addiction synonymously, with prescription pain relievers there is a slight difference. The body develops a tolerance for any mood altering substance after awhile, and one can easily become dependent on pain medication. Withdrawal symptoms are similar to withdrawal symptoms of other drugs. But these pain killers also have an addictive quality in that there are stronger cravings and compulsions to use.
People without physiological pain, who take opiates, have similar experiences of "well being" similar to eating, sleeping, breast feeding or sex. There is a common combination of pain killers and alcohol amongst users, which can be lethal; one plus one often equals ten. Used together, depending on dosage and amounts consumed, both will depress the autonomic nervous system causing respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
To answer your question Audrey, pain killers are not necessarily anymore addictive than other drugs. Every person has slightly different genetics and route of administration often conditions the desire for some drugs over others. Family history is probably the best predictor of addiction. Talk to your friend about your concerns and maybe you can suggest or accompany her to a knowledgeable counselor.
Dr. Bob
