Pubdate: 20 Mar 2001 Source: Kingsport Times-News (TN) Copyright: 2001 Kingsport Publishing Corporation Contact: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1437 Website: http://www.timesnews.net/index.cgi Author: Leigh Anne Hoover OXYCONTIN A BOON I am concerned that once again the minority is trying to push the envelope and influence the majority over an issue. Of recent concern is the prescription drug OxyContin. Unfortunately, this drug is the current prescription drug of choice for addicts, and that abuse has caused quite a bit of media attention. It has become so abused that some people are advocating that the drug company discontinue making OxyContin. This would be a terrible disservice to many because of the abuse from a few. With a mother ill from terminal cancer, I cannot say enough about the benefits of OxyContin. Breast cancer, that metastasized in the bones, has stricken my mother with excruciating pain. Thanks to many prayers, a positive attitude, and the wonderful drug OxyContin, my mother is controlling her pain and able to enjoy all aspects of her life. Other pain medications did not provide this type of relief or allow the mental freedom and cognizance provided by OxyContin. When used correctly, OxyContin is a miracle for those in pain and must continue to remain an available choice as a prescription for physicians for patients needing pain management medication in order to maintain their quality of life. Leigh Anne Hoover, Kingsport