What Is Oxycontin?

Oxycontin is a prescription medication used for the treatment of severe pain. Due to its addiction, Oxycontin abuse flares up from time to time as a commonly used recreational drug, leading to some hospitals reducing subscription of the drug even for severe chronic pain cases. Some doctors also turn into drug dealers, prescribing dangerous painkillers to patients who do not need it for their current pain levels.

The result has been a backlash against the drug, and those who need it end up missing out. However, the few prescribed the drug experience immediate high effects expected, and patients are advised to go slow on its usage before it turns addictive. With chronic pain spanning a couple of weeks, addiction can be easy, and an addiction and alcoholism center will help treat substance abuse. Although different facilities offer detox treatment services in the form of inpatient and outpatient services for the treatment of addiction/alcoholism, choose one that has a track record in placing patients’ needs first, catering to needs on a case basis.

Use and Abuse

Oxycontin is a narcotic analgesic drug used in pain reduction. It is primarily used to relieve pain in cancer patients, severe injuries from accidents, arthritis, and other conditions deemed fit. Oxycontin contains between 10-80 milligrams of oxycodone depending on the drug, offering between 4-12 hours of pain relief. Abuse often starts when time is not kept when taking the medication. After time lapses, patients often seek quick relief and would crush and chew on the capsules for immediate effects into the bloodstream.

Although effective, it overrides the time feature of its supposed work, fogging the brain with the drug. It works by engaging neurotransmitters in the brain, releasing a high placing user in a state of euphoria. To gauge whether a loved one is suffering from OxyContin abuse, check whether they are:

• Sweaty
• Slowed breathing
• Constricted pupils
• Nauseous and vomiting

Signs of OxyContin Addiction

Oxycontin tolerance is the first sign of addiction leading to substance abuse. More of the drug is required to be able to dial down pain experienced for comfort. The addictive nature of oxycontin after prolonged use also caused the brain to have chemical changes, where it becomes dependent on the drug to function normally. Withdrawal symptoms such as shaking and feeling cold are experienced when the user ceases to use or reduce drug intake. Detox is needed in a sober living facility to reduce the dependency on the drug. If left unchecked, users may start soon to:

• Forge fake prescriptions.
• Borrow prescriptions.
• Steal prescriptions doctor shopping.
• Shop from drug dealers even after initial drug prescription need is treated.

Side Effects

Substance abuse and addiction to oxycontin can lead to overdose and the user’s death. The drug complications start with severe breathing problems that can be fatal. The use of alcohol with the drugs can cause a euphoric feeling that can turn deadly quickly, causing drowsiness and difficulty waking up, leading to death. An increase in dosage without a prescription from a doctor also leads to addiction that can alter the brain’s functioning.

Oxycontin Addiction Treatment

Oxycontin addiction is complex and a lifelong battle for users. Treatment options for the treatment of the addiction are inpatient and outpatient, depending on the dependency of the drug.

Inpatient Treatment

It involves admission to a sober living facility for an intense drug addiction treatment program. It requires attendance of meetings, counseling, and focus on recovery without distractions. Groups therapy is also availed for inpatient treatment to encourage each other on the recovery process by engaging with others suffering from the same afflictions.

Outpatient Treatment

A follow-up is needed after completing an inpatient drug program with the drug addiction center. Patients are only discharged after showing they are comfortable and capable of reentering society after advanced progress and without fear of relapsing even with previous temptations still around. Outpatient treatment still holds counseling and frequent group meetings, ideal for accountability and overall support in the life-long journey.

Stop Addiction

Treatment and recovery of Oxycontin are achievable with the right mindset and dedication. With drug addiction leading to poor life decisions and living for the high, a sense of meaning is attainable when quitting oxycontin. Women of childbearing age seeking to start families stopping eliminate chances of bearing children with congenital disabilities. However, the process of quitting is long, but the benefits outweigh the risks. To get back on the road to recovery or seek a loved one to do so, call today to schedule an appointment as our counselors are available 24.7. Call us at 424-499-2603.