By Britny Christine

Hillmen Staff Writer

Whether it is apparent to you or not, there has recently been a problem on Placer’s campus as well as other campuses across the nation with the popular pain medication, OxyCodone. OxyCodone is a highly addictive drug, which is often prescribed in the treatment of severe and chronic pain disorders such as osteoarthritis and after major abdominal surgeries. The drug is also commonly used as a mood stabilizer and as a tool for mental relaxation as well as something to lower anxiety.

However, due to the drug’s mood altering effects, it is often used as a recreational drug and is becoming increasingly popular among teenagers. On the other hand, along with the reported ‘warm, fuzzy feeling’ that OxyCodone gives its users, side effects often include dizziness, fatigue, and severe headaches. In more extreme cases it has been said to cause circulatory collapse, shallow breathing, and, at times, death. But even in the mildest of cases, the chance of addiction is always prevalent.

The risk of an overdose is higher than most recreational drugs due to the fact that you never know how much you’re taking.

“OxyCodone is prescribed based on how much pain you are in and your weight. When you take someone else’s medication that is made for them, you’re always putting yourself at risk,” said one local pharmacist.

When bought for a prescription, OxyCodone doesn’t cost more than any other drug for a cold, however, when sold on the street, a single pill can be sold for upwards of $80. Many people who develop an addiction resort to stealing money from friends and other loved ones in order to feed their need for the drug. Many students or people who abuse this drug often steal it from family members or those who have been prescribed OxyCodone.

“I had to watch for three rough years as my son battled an addiction that I didn’t know how to help him with. Throughout these years, money and possessions were stolen from me, but worse still, my son was stolen from me. I don’t even recognize him anymore,” commented a source who requested to stay anonymous, but felt it necessary to share her story.

Social side effects seem to be the most severe when dealing with OxyCodone. Many people who abuse it, mainly teens, experience a disassociation from friends, as their life only exists around the drug for them.

During a study that took place in 2005, 1 in 20 high school students admitted to either knowing or having tried the drug. The study was done again in 2009 and 1 in 10 knew someone involved with the drug. This shows the drug use is on the rise and doesn’t show much sign of slowing down, seeing as this problem is beginning to hurt students here at Placer.

Gary Pantaleoni, Placer’s assistant principle, stated that there had been a few incidences on campus, but was unable to comment any further.

“Our school is a reflection of our community, and these things need to be addressed,” Pantaleoni went on to say.

Due to the fact that the school is responsible for you when you get to campus, no one is taking these worries lightly. If a student is caught, they could get suspended for anything from possession of drug paraphernalia to more severe cases where they could get in trouble for being under the influence or dealing the drug. And because of the school safety act, for anyone caught doing or selling drugs within 1,500 feet of our campus, the fines instantly double.

“OxyCodone can easily ruin someone’s future. If anyone comes in contact with it, go the other way; it’s not worth the struggle that comes with it,” commented the mother of an OxyCodone addict.