San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis has recently announced the launch of a San Diego Oxy Task Force.  Oxycontin is a helpful prescription drug used to treat severe pain but is also addictive.  Abuse is prolific and very common amongst teenagers.  Not only is abusing Oxycontin physically dangerous, it often leads to heroin use and criminal behavior.  While the prescription drug is expensive, heroin produces a similar high, is far cheaper and seems to be readily available.  Heroin traffic is on the rise since Oxycontin has become a more common street drug.  Signs of Oxycontin addiction can include,

* Slow breathing
* Small, pinpoint pupils
* Confusion
* Being tired, nodding off, or passing out
* Dizziness
* Weakness
* Apathy (they don’t care about anything)
* Cold and clammy skin
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Seizures

This list is not all inclusive and open communication with your teen is of the utmost importance.  Sometimes these signs mislead people, convincing them that the user is drunk. Taking Oxycontin under the advice of a doctor is not addiction.  Addiction occurs when the drug is taken more often than needed and for the purpose of getting high.  Physical addiction symptoms can include insomnia, muscle and bone pain, sweats, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramping, muscle twitching, as well as other physical effects.  Withdrawal for Oxycontin is harrowing.  

The task force will focus on four components:  Law Enforcement; Education; Legislative Issues; and Prevention and Treatment.   Special Agent in Charge, Ralph W. Partridge says; “The San Diego community knows that the best method of dealing with serious community concerns is a cooperative and coordinated effort. When it comes to addressing problems that are endangering the lives of our children, we all band together and place this as a top priority”.