OxyContin Addiction

Are you addicted to OxyContin? Do you know someone who is?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then it’s important that professional medical help is sought after immediately.

If you’re unsure if you or a loved one is addicted to OxyContin, continue reading as we will discuss what the drug is, what the indicators to look out for are and lastly, what can be done to help those addicted to it.

What is OxyContin?

OxyContin (the brand name of Oxycodone) is a potent analgesic drug that is prescribed by medical professionals to relieve moderate and severe pain.

The drug works by blocking the pain receptors in the brain from receiving any signals.

The drug comes in the form of capsules, tablets and liquid and is commonly taken orally, and the effects of it may last for twelve hours.

Due to its pain relieving effects, many people become addicted to it and will go to great lengths to acquire the drug.

Some may attend different doctors to get the drug, forge prescriptions and even steal from pharmacies in order to satisfy their craving.

Addicts will also begin to become more tolerant to the drug, meaning the individual will have to take more and more of it to achieve an effect that was once felt through smaller dosages. This is extremely dangerous and is one of the major causes of overdose.

Signs and Symptoms of OxyContin Addiction

A simple way to check if you or a loved one is addicted to OxyContin is to stop using the drug and see if you or the individual can cope without it.

There are physical signs of excessive use of the drug, which may range from breathing problems, tiredness and weakness, loss of appetite, decreased blood pressure and heart rate.

In more serious cases, comas and even death may occur.

The psychological effects of OxyContin are increased irritability, becoming entirely dependent on the drug and feeling sad and unhappy.

OxyContin Addiction Treatment

Professional medical help is a must if you or someone you love is addicted to OxyContin.

The best way to treat an addiction to it is to reside in a rehabilitation centre.

The length of stay will be entirely dependent on the severity of the addiction.

While residing in rehab, the individual may go through a medical detoxification to remove any withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced due to cessation of use and will also be educated about their addiction by engaging in various counselling and therapy methods.

Once discharged, it is important that recovering addicts attend Secondary Care to avoid a relapse from occurring, which is most prevalent after a stay in rehab.

Secondary Care may come in the form of Outpatient Treatment or Halfway Houses and will serve as a continuation of what was taught in rehab.

Tertiary Care is also available for those looking to ensure that they live a sober and drug-free life.

For more information on how to get yourself or a loved one into treatment, call us now and we will find the best rehabilitation centre suited to your needs.