The Big Oxycodone Conspiracy
Today we were informed by a customer that the shortage of oxycodone is a “big conspiracy” and that we were a part of it. People watch way too much TV, even though he was right - there is a big conspiracy and we are a part of it.
The current oxycodone shortage is the US government’s way of limiting the supply of oxycodone to those who have ‘legitimate’ uses for it. They have determined that up to 50% of oxycodone use is illegitimate - either for supporting a drug habit or more seriously, for sale or distribution - so they’ve decided to take steps to curb that.
By limiting the supply, pharmacies are forced to limit the sale of oxycodone to only their regular customers, or to customers without any ‘red flags,’ that is, if they can get any at all. Those supporting their addiction to oxycodone or looking to sell it are forced to call pharmacy after pharmacy to find a supply for even a single prescription.
So, for the most part, the only ones being hurt are those with an addiction, or those looking to sell it, presumably to those with an addiction. Those with a real need can usually have their doctor write a prescription for an alternative. Addicts don’t want an alternative.
There we have it. We’re part of the conspiracy (actually we don’t have a choice, we can’t get any more oxycodone if we wanted to) and it doesn’t bother us. Anyone really have a problem with that?
You don’t believe it has anything to do with the very real shortage of the raw materials used to make opioid pain medications? You’re correct in thinking that the US government has something to do with the shortage, but it’s actually that the US government is seeking to limit the output of poppy producers in the Middle East because much of the profits from poppy farming goes into the pockets of the Taliban and other criminal organizations. There is no reason to believe the government is seeking to curb opioid addiction in the US by limiting medication supplies, that would be outright criminal. Besides, there are already very stringent laws and regulations in place to limit the availability of schedule II medications to addicts and those who do not have legitimate use for them.