Jennifer Parker- Feeding the Birds

The painkiller Oxycontin was introduced in 1995 as a panacea drug for people suffering from chronic, extreme pain.  Among its early users were patients who suffered from cancer, debilitating injuries and severe arthritis.  But before long, recreational drug users began taking it because of its narcotic high.  And they soon found it to be highly addictive.  As part of WUOT’s Next Wave Radio Project, Jennifer Parker spoke to a young Maryville man who now lives his life in the grip of this powerful drug.