Oxycontin, a Killer in Canada
Oxycontin, better known as “Oxy”, is considered to be a highly addictive drug and sometimes even a “killer” by the Canadian law enforcement authorities. Canada is committed to taking the necessary measures to not only control the use of Oxycontin, but to prevent it except when deemed absolutely necessary.
Canada’s authorities feel that the 1st step to conquering the problem of Oxycontin is to educate its people, beginning with the younger generation. Usually this teaching begins with 5 th grade children. This is the age where peer pressure becomes stronger, so it seems to be a good age to start this type of preventive education. Although school age children, pre teens, and teenagers are getting the information that is needed on Oxycontin, adults both young and old are not receiving any information. The Canadian authorities feel that it is up to the physicians to give advice, information, and warnings pertaining to this drug. Some doctors do take the time to follow this advice, however many do not. The officials realize this so is taking an extra step by asking the pharmacists and drug store associates to counsel each person who is obtaining a prescription. This seems to be working better. Since there are several ways to receive information about this addictive drug, each individual should at least get information from one source or the other; maybe even both! Too much education and/ or information about Oxycontin is not too much!
The next step is through advertising and public media, thus warning people about the negative effects of Oxycontin, with a warning that this drug should only be administered when necessary, taken with extreme caution, and taken for a short period of time, due to its high rate of addiction.
Another step is the warning that the law officials give to the public about selling Oxycontin on the street. This warning can be passed to individuals through the punishment that is incurred upon those persons who use this drug for illegal purposes.
Canada is determined to reduce and finally eliminate its addiction to Oxycontin, and feels that the above measures are the best way to incorporate the awareness that is needed to “get this job done”!
