When you think about which painkillers are fueling America’s Opioid Crisis, what immediately comes to mind? One of our first go-to targets is definitely heroin, which had been a pain in America’s backside long before this epidemic took root. On the other hand, many of you are probably blaming Big Pharma for the spree of addiction and abuse sweeping across our U.S.A. Ironically, though, one little pill in particular has gotten the most hatred (besides fentanyl): oxycodone. Sold under the brand name OxyContin, this helpful opioid has gotten bad press and has also triggered thousands of overdoses. Needless to say, poor oxycodone has it bad in Americana. Let’s take a closer look at this drug’s rocky road of progress.
The Journey Begins
Ironically, the people who first created the drug that would become oxycodone had noble causes. In the 1800s and the early part of the 1900s, scientists were working hard to develop a non-addictive opioid for patients. Even stranger, the medication they were hoping to replace was heroin, sold under the Bayer Corporation of Germany in the 1890s, which doctors determined to be (what a shock) extremely addictive.
Once the American government banned the sale of heroin, two German scientists developed oxycodone in 1916 and promoted this opioid as a fantastic improvement over addictive substances like heroin, morphine, and opium.
The Pain Is Just Starting
1950, however, marked the year that this little opioid fell into a dark crawlspace. After doctors were granted permission to prescribe the drug, under the name Percodan, oxycodone quickly started fanning the flames of addiction. Thirteen years later, in 1963, the Attorney General of California described Percodan as the source of 1/3 of all drug problems in the United States.
After being recategorized as a Schedule II drug in 1970, Percodan was later sold under the brand name OxyContin, thanks to its new owner: the infamous Purdue Pharma.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder is easily one of the most terrifying substance use disorders on the planet, mostly because opioid addiction partially stems from a large number of drugs that are legally regulated by the federal government. For decades, our country has suffered beneath the weight of dangerous synthetics and legal painkillers, and millions of Americans have suffered from addiction throughout the 20 years the crisis has been brewing. However, you can make the right decision by taking a stand against your addiction and regaining your health and happiness.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of opioid withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
