What is OxyContin?
OxyContin is a prescription painkiller that has become increasingly popular as a recreational drug. It’s also known as “Oxy” on the street, and can be very dangerous.
Its greatest use is the ability to minimize and control pain for up to twelve hours at a time.
Its active ingredient is oxycodone, which is an opioid, similar to morphine, methadone, heroin, and fentanyl.
What is OxyContin used for?
OxyContin is used for treating moderate, severe, and chronic pain. The way it works is that its active ingredient – oxycodone changes the brain’s perception of pain and helps ease pain from an injury, an illness, or after surgery. Nonetheless, OxyContin also leads to a feeling of euphoria, which is why it’s often abused.
OxyContin Abuse Side Effects
Like all other prescription drugs, OxyContin use does come with some risks. When you alter your prescribed OxyContin use, you are more likely to experience side effects that would have normally been controlled or avoided if you were to take it orally. When you’re taking it as prescribed, the amounts of OxyContin in your body are controlled, which is not the case when you go off track, and start altering your dosages. When you start to abuse OxyContin you risk overdosing, or developing many possible diseases. Some of the OxyContin abuse side effects are:
- mood swings
- coma
- liver damage
- constipation
- fatigue
- euphoria
- heart attack
- irregular heart beat
- overdose
- hypoventilation
OxyContin abuse affects more than just your physical health, but it also has a great impact on your social and work life, as well as your personal relationships.
OxyContin Abuse
When you change the way you take OxyContin that’s when you start abusing it. When you’re taking OxyContin orally, its properties are released in a controlled manner. In this way, you relieve your pain without getting high, experiencing euphoria, or any side effects. OxyContin abuse occurs when it is crushed up, snorted or injected in the bloodstream. Another way to abuse OxyContin is to mix it with other substances, like alcohol, cocaine, or heroin, which lead to a better high.
The physical and behavioral signs of OxyContin abuse are similar to those of any other form of opioid abuse:
- Impaired coordination, and slurred speech
- Extreme drowsiness, disorientation and confusion.
- Pinpoint pupils and a dry mouth.
- Lack of interest in physical and social activities, as well as in personal hygiene.
- Mood swings, and a bad, unpredictable temper.
- Neglecting all obligations, like: work, school, or home duties.
- Weight loss.
- Bloodshot eyes.
- Severe itching.
- Recurring euphoria and apathy.
- Vomiting.
- Depression, insomnia and sleep apnea.
- Concentration problems.
If you notice some of the symptoms yourself, make sure to speak to a doctor, or a professional, and stop OxyContin abuse from negatively affecting your life.
Symptoms of OxyContin Addiction
The symptoms of OxyContin Addiction can vary from one person to another. They usually depend on how long the addiction lasts, and how frequently or how much the individual uses.
Some of the physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms of OxyContin addiction are:
- behaving in a secretive way
- developing a physical dependency on OxyContin
- mixing the drug with other drugs to get a more euphoric effect
- constantly worrying about how to get more OxyContin
- continuing to use it consciously knowing the negative effect it has on your health, and your social or work life.
- losing the sense of time
- having continual cravings for OxyContin
- frequent mood changes
- experiencing withdrawal symptoms when your doses are interrupted or lowered
- having many unsuccessful attempts to quit the drug
- spending all your money on OxyContin
- losing your concentration at school or at work
- losing your trust in people
- not following your prescription, or recommendations for OxyContin use
- poor performance in bed
- turning to crime just so you can get more OxyContin
While you may think that the physical signs are easiest to detect, sometimes it’s the small and subtle changes in mood and behavior that actually make you see that your friend or loved one needs help getting over an OxyContin addiction.
Treating OxyContin Addiction
When you feel like you’re ready to face your addiction and start moving forward, you’ll definitely want to be aware of your possible options, and what kind of therapy will work best for you. Depending on your budget and your needs, there are a few rehab programs you can join. Here are some of your options:
- Luxury rehab programs are usually high-end resort facilities, that offer a variety of amenities
- Executive rehab programs also include similar amenities, but they also provide additional support to people with busy professional lives, that need to continue with their work, while enrolled in the program.
- Traditional rehab programs offer the same support and treatment, but do not have the luxurious, high-end facilities, or some extra amenities. They provide the same results as the others, but are way more affordable.
