EDITORIAL: OxyContin cut painful

OxyContin’s reign of terror in?Ontario’s North is coming to an end.

But the transition period could be a rough and rocky road for those hooked on the opiate.

Police and health-care workers are waiting with baited breath to figure out which direction addicts will turn when the company that manufactures the drug stops production on Feb. 29.

The proliferation in violent crimes – two more Mac’s Convenience Stores were robbed at knifepoint earlier this week – is enough to know we have a problem that isn’t going away.

The loss of their drug of choice simply means addicts will turn to other options, possibly heroin or crystal meth, to fuel their habits.

First Nations leaders, whose populations are heavily addicted to the pain medication, have called for both the provincial and federal government to take action.

A joint effort between all sides in the matter, including public health units, physicians and all levels of government is an absolute must at this stage.

Admitting we have a problem is the first step. We’ve done that, but unfortunately little or no real action has been taken to address and fix it.

Until someone decides to take it seriously, the problem isn’t going away. It could get worse – way worse.
A detox centre should be on someone’s shopping list, and soon.