OxyContin Abuse Rises Among Young People

 The Sacramento Bee on July 26 published an article that documents the rising abuse of OxyContin by many people in their teens and 20s.

OxyContin is a prescription pain killer that's derived from opium and has been on the market since 1995. Many young people try it because it can be ingested merely by swallowing a pill and lacks the stigma associated with other drugs such as heroine or cocaine. It is highly addictive, however, and can result in a physical dependence within a few weeks.

The Bee's article gives a valuable profile of the dangers of abuse of OxyContin. What we would add is that Diversion (also known as Deferred Entry of Judgment) and Proposition 36 provide alternatives to incarceration for people arrested for illegal use of OxyContin and other prescription medications. These programs - intended for people accused of drug use or possession, not drug manufacture, sale, or trafficking - allow the possibility of avoiding a conviction in exchange for completion of a drug treatment program.

For a complete description of Diversion (Deferred Entry of Judgment), see our July 9 post. For a complete description of Proposition 36, see our July 15 post.

If you have questions about alternative sentencing programs, call the Law Office of Nancy King at (916) 442-1200.