What steps are currently being taken to address the widespread abuse of OxyContin® ?
DEA’s approach to dealing with the abuse and diversion of OxyContin® is consistent with the methods normally used in combating the diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances. These approaches include liaison with the heathcare community, the pharmaceutical industry, and other domestic and international agencies; education of medical professionals regarding various scams that are used to obtain controlled substances for illicit purposes; and the investigation of suspected diverters. For a more detailed description of DEA’s strategies you may access the Office of Diversion Control’s web site at www.DEAdiversion.usdoj.gov. for the document “Working to Prevent Diversion and Abuse of OxyContin”.