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UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA BLUE RIDGE POISON CONTROL CENTER SEEING HIGH INCIDENCE OF OXYCODONE ABUSE

The Blue Ridge Poison Center is receiving an increase in calls concerning Oxycodone abuse from Southwest Virginia, and fear the problem may be spreading. Oxycodone is a powerful opiate used to ease chronic pain. It is misused by being crushed and either snorted or intravenously injected. Abusers have been known to steal, rob pharmacies, or seek out physicians who dispense the drug illegally.

“This problem has reached epidemic proportions in Southwest Virginia,” said Sue Kell education coordinator for the Blue Ridge Poison Center. “It has taken a dramatic toll on the many lives there.”

To help keep Oxycodone abuse from coming to Central Virginia, The Blue Ridge Poison Center plans to educate teachers about the problem, and warn local doctors about emergency room patients trying to falsely obtain the drug.

For more information you may contact the Blue Ridge Poison Center at 1-800-451-1328.

January 8, 2001