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 OXYCONTIN - Recognize The Demon OxyContin By: Donna J Matos In Memory of Elliot J. Matos Jr. Born: 12-27-81 Died: 9-8-01 Ok, I know this is a lot of information to take in on OxyContin, but I feel it is of the utmost importance. Our children are dying, and it is up to us as parents to educate ourselves and our children on the dangers of this drug. When I lost my beautiful 19 yr. old son from an accidental OxyContin Overdose, not much was known about the drug. That was almost 6 yrs. ago and now there is so much known about it. My poor child, my love, my baby, my life, my heart, my breath, my reason for living, was thought to be drunk, and was put to bed to sleep, never again to take another breath on this earth. All because of this damn drug. Please read this, repost this, share it with your children, your loved ones, anyone you know. Never be fooled it's not just the children who are dying from this drug, it's everyone. Addiction does not discriminate, it will touch anyone and everyone. Addiction IS a DISEASE. Love and Hugs, Donna J Matos (In Memory Of Elliot J.Matos Jr)
This is a memorial for my son, that was placed in the park he grew up in, in his memory. Please do not let my child have died in vain. Let's get the word out there.
What is OXYCONTIN?
OXYCONTIN is one of several OPIUM derivatives (Heroin is also an opium derivative). It is a high potency pain killer that comes in time released tablets that last for 12h hours. As far as pills on the street go, Oxycontin is a HAND GRENADE amongst firecrackers.
Why is it a problem?
According to media reports the drug was over marketed by the maker Purdue Pharma and the pills are easily available on the street. Kids have figured out that if you chew/crush or snort the tablet that you bypass the time release feature and it will give you a high much like HIGH GRADE heroin but with worse consequences. Most kids are actually not aware of the heroin link and do not realize how DANGEROUS this drug is. 5mg of OXY has has as much active ingredient (oxycodone) as One percocet. So chewing/snorting a 80mgOxy is like taking 16 percocets all at once. Again KIDS just don't realize what they are putting into their system from ONE SMALL little pill.
What are the consequences?
Oxycontin suppresses the respiratory system and when combined with alcohol or other depressants it is often DEADLY. Often the person goes to sleep and their respirations slowly decrease until breathing stops completely.
Can a person LEGALLY prescribed OXYCONTIN become addicted?
Contrary to FALSE CLAIMS THAT LESS THAN 1% of PATIENTS GET ADDICTED, the CT Attorney General has stated the addiction rate is around 13% but some feel it is as high as 30%. All Patients (100%) do get physically dependent, which means they will suffer physical SEVERE FLU LIKE WITHDRAWALS IF THEY SUDDENLY STOP TAKING IT.
What are symptoms of an overdose?
Slow breathing (respiratory depression), seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, COLD and CLAMMY SKIN, Small PUPILS, reduced vision, nausea, vomiting, clouding of mental functions (acting stupid)
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOUR FRIEND IS IN DANGER OF AN OVERDOSE?
(REAL WORLD)
Some of the symptoms may be:
**Pinpoint pupils
**Respiratory depression- Normal respirations are around 12-20 times/minute.
If your friend is breathing less than 10 times in a minute, they could be in
serious trouble.
Confusion
Drowsiness
Mood changes
Clouding of mental function- they are acting 'stupid'
Reduced vision
apathy- feelings of 'they just don't care about anything'
decreased physical activity
constipation
nausea
vomiting
(1) More than likely, you KNOW what your friend has taken. Do NOT just help him get home and not say anything to his parents. Your friend could go to sleep and NOT WAKE UP!
(2) Alot of the above symptoms will make you think ' he's just drunk'.......but be honest with your friend's parents. If you think your
friend took something else, then let them know. He may be in trouble in the morning, but at least he will be alive. That may even be the beginning of his getting the help that he needs to stop using drugs. Take him home then have someone make a anonymous call or tell a 3rd party to tell parents if you have to.
(3) What if letting the parents know is out?
A. Watch your friend closely. If his respirations start to decrease to less
than 10 in a minute, then he probably needs medical attention before his
body starts to react to decreased oxygen levels. If you don't get enough
oxygen, you could suffer irreversible brain damage, go into respiratory
arrest (just stop breathing) or you could have a heart attack. CALL 911.
While you are waiting for an ambulance if your friend is still breathing and
you can get him to respond to you, try calling his name. Make him wake up and talk to you. Don't let him go to sleep. He will probably get irritated
with you, but do whatever you have to do. You may want to try shaking him to rouse him. KEEP HIM AWAKE AND TALKING if you can. If you take your friend yourself to the hospital then many times the police are never notified of the incident. USE your head especially if respirations are decreasing better to call 911 then go to a funeral or visit your friend while he lays in a COMA.
B. If you can't keep him awake and talking. WATCH HIS BREATHING. If he stops breathing (and has a pulse), begin rescue breathing- 1 breath every 5 seconds. (COUNT- one, one thousand, two, one thousand, three, one thousand, four one thousand, breath one thousand.) Watch the chest and make sure it is rising and falling. (that tells you that your air is going in & coming out). If it's not try repositioning his head. Check and make sure he has a pulse after 1 minute of rescue breathing. If he doesn't have a pulse, START CPR. If he does, continue rescue breathing. Keep doing this until EMS arrives.
Overdose of Oxycontin or other CNS depressants is a serious thing that may require hospitalization. Sometimes the person needs to be temporarily hooked to a ventilator to help him breathe until the drug wears off. Most people who are 'hooked' on this drug need professional help to stop using it. If you or your friends are using it, please get help and stop. You are playing RUSSIAN ROULETTE with your life.
Just in case there is ever any doubt in your mnd what OxyContin looks like, here are some pictures:
 
I miss my son more than life itself. I would give anything for one more day with my child. He should be here with me.He was a child, he made a mistake, and it shouldn't have cost him his life. Please think before you use any drug. Hugs ,Elliot's Mom, Donna
Posted: August 23, 2007 ©2008 COPYRIGHT OF MOTHERS AGAINST MEDICAL ABUSE. All rights reserved. Use by written permission only.
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