OxyContin use and misuse in three populations: substance abuse patients, pain patients, and criminal justice participants.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to describe and compare individuals in rural Appalachia prescribed, abusing or diverting OxyContin a region with high rates of prescription medication abuse and misuse.


METHODS
Fifty subjects treated for OxyContin abuse, 34 subjects prescribed OxyContin for pain and 50 subjects incarcerated due to OxyContin-related charges from rural Appalachia.


METHODS
The Addiction Severity Index, DSM-IV Checklist, and an investigator developed questionnaire were administered to all three groups.


RESULTS
All three groups included individuals prescribed OxyContin for pain and demographic variables and psychiatric/medical histories failed to discriminate between the pain and substance abuse (SA) subjects. SA and criminal justice subjects were significantly more likely to have a current DSM-IV diagnosis ofpsychoactive abuse/dependence and more likely to be younger and unmarried.


CONCLUSIONS
This study found that these groups are not distinct and in depth evaluations, including a detailed SA history, are needed to identify the pain patient at risk for abuse and/or diversion of prescribed opioids.
Wunsch
Martha J
MJ
Addiction Medicine, Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
Cropsey
Karen L
KL
Campbell
Eleanor D
ED
Knisely
Janet S
JS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003416:Criminal Law; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010098:Oxycodone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D010098:Oxycodone