Oxycodone Addiction Statistics

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that some 1.9 million Americans have taken oxycodone for illicit use. “Right now it’s one of the most abused prescription drugs, and is certainly the most dangerous,” one DEA official reported to Newsweek Magazine.

Oxycodone is a strong painkiller that has a high potential for addiction when abused. Along with its pain-relieving function, oxycodone causes a euphoric feeling and lessens anxiety, making users feel “high.” This plus the relatively easy accessibility has made it a commonly abused drug in the United States.

Effects of Oxycodone Abuse

The effects of oxycodone abuse on today’s society are very severe. The physical, mental, financial and social consequences can be devastating on a person’s life and to those around them. Recent studies show how in one way or another almost all American’s are impacted by the abuse of drugs such as oxycodone.

• Oxycodone abuse and addiction cost tax-paying Americans over $484 billion annually. This figure includes healthcare costs, traffic accidents, lost job wages and the associated criminal justice systems costs.
• Oxycodone addiction among teenagers is on the rise and there have been numerous emergency situations and deaths of teenagers correlated with oxycodone abuse. About one in 20 high school students admit taking OxyContin.
• Approximately 10 to 22 percent of car crashes involve drivers who have been using drugs (according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
• Of those arrested for violent crimes, 50 percent of the suspects were under the influence of drugs when they were arrested.

Due to the serious repercussions of oxycodone abuse, many states have issued legislation meant to decrease the illegal use of the drug. Some states have introduced prescription monitoring, and some have banned the sale of the drug on the Internet. Despite these efforts by the local government and the DEA, the abuse of oxycodone is at an all time high.

Oxycodone Addiction Help

Many people today suffer from an oxycodone addiction. Recovery is possible but it is first vitally important to seek help. We are here to get you started on the road to recovery. Please call our toll free number today at (888) 371-5715 – we are available 24 hours a day to help you find the proper treatment method for your addiction.