OxyContin is the brand name of the drug oxycodone. Oxycodone is an opioid that is prescribed primarily as a form of pain relief. Today, it’s on the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule II drug. That means that it has a high potential to cause addiction. Even when used as a doctor directs, individuals can easily develop a dependency or addiction to oxycodone. At Oceanfront Recovery, we offer an extensive OxyContin addiction treatment program to help you or someone you love heal and recover from an addiction to this dangerous drug.
What Should You Know About OxyContin Abuse?
OxyContin abuse is dangerous and potentially deadly. An OxyContin addiction treatment center can help with OxyContin addiction and the withdrawal symptoms as they stop taking the medication. Opiate addiction treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of overdose and cope with any underlying conditions as the client recovers.
OxyContin is a long-acting form of oxycodone, and it is designed to treat moderate-to-severe pain. It’s not meant to be used as a long-term solution for most people, but it may be used to help chronic pain from:
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Some types of injuries
- Surgical pain
In a time-released form, OxyContin produces up to 12 hours of relief at peak effectiveness.
What Causes OxyContin Addiction?
When someone uses OxyContin, they can develop tolerance, dependency, and addiction even as prescribed. With this type of medication, cravings can occur, and they may feel uncontrollable.
Opioids change the chemistry of the brain. As a result, it’s possible to get addicted to OxyContin more quickly than some other kinds of drugs. Those who recognize that they need more of the medication to receive the same benefits should let their medical providers know because this is a sign of tolerance, leading to abuse and OxyContin addiction.
What Are the Dangerous Side Effects of OxyContin Abuse?
OxyContin abuse may lead to serious side effects. The euphoric effects of oxycodone may make some people feel like taking the risk of increasing their dosages, even though doing so could lead to an overdose. Those who take OxyContin regularly are more likely to become addicted to the drug and overdose fatally.
Oxycodone’s most dangerous side effect is the depression of the respiratory system. It decreases blood pressure and respiration, which means that a person may suffer from a heart attack or stop breathing. Some of the effects that an overdose may cause include:
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrest
- Coma
These serious side effects are more likely if a person injects, snorts, or ingests crushed tablets. It is also more common to experience side effects if oxycodone is combined with other depressant drugs, like alcohol.
What Are the Immediate Side Effects of Oxycodone Abuse?
The side effects most people will experience include:
- Low blood pressure
- Depressed respiration
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Euphoria
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
- Pain relief
- Loss of appetite
In the long-term, people may have side effects such as:
- Aches and cramps
- Coma
- Swelling (edema) of the limbs
- Heart failure
- Insomnia
- Depression
Oxycodone, with the brand name OxyContin, is a dangerous opioid when misused. If you or someone you love are trying to manage a dependence or addiction, remember that help is available.
Contact Oceanfront Recovery for Support with Prescription Drug Rehab
At Oceanfront Recovery, we know that addictions are sometimes sudden and challenging to overcome. Fortunately, the right prescription drug rehab makes a difference on the road to sobriety. Call our 24-hour hotline to speak with our helpful staff members about the programs we have available. Opiate addiction treatment makes a world of difference, and it can change your life. Call today at 877.296.7477 to learn more about our program and how we can help you or a loved one get back control.
