OxyContin is a narcotic prescription drug used to help reduce mild to severe pain. It falls into the opioid drug classification. Essentially, OxyContin is a form of extended-release oxycodone.
According to the FDA, it is a controlled substance due to its high risk of addiction.
In fact, OxyContin does a good job at minimizing physical pain. However, it also can give users feelings of deep relaxation and a bit of euphoria, which prompts some people to abuse the drug. They not only become addicted physically, but mentally as well.
If you take OxyContin as prescribed, you are less likely to become addicted. This means that when your pain has subsided, you stop taking the medication. Some people will get over their pain and hold onto the drug for times when they have some other ache or just want that euphoric feeling again. It is recommended that when your pain has subsided that you flush the rest of the medication down the toilet, so that you will not be tempted to use the medication for other purposes.
If you happen to have chronic pain and take OxyContin regularly, your body may build a tolerance to the drug. To get the same effect, you have to take higher doses. This can begin a vicious cycle of self-medicating and the end result can be addiction. Always talk to your doctor first before adjusting your medication.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse states that over one million people in the United States struggle with Oxycontin addiction. This is quite alarming since there are plenty of side effects and the potential of overdose that comes along with using the prescription pain medicine is high.
If you are struggling with Oxycontin addiction, you’re not alone. Good news is that there is plenty of help available for you when it comes to getting free from such an addiction. The first step is to recognize that you are dependent upon Oxycontin and are having a difficult time coming off the drug by yourself. Start by taking our screening test if you are unsure you have come dependent.
There are common signs that you could be addicted to OxyContin. Of course, there are various factors that come into play, such as how long you’ve been using the medication, the dosage, your history of addiction, and how often the drug is used.
If you’re wondering if you are addicted to OxyContin, see if any of the following applies to you:
Do you see yourself in several of those characteristics? If so, you may have a dependence or addiction to the drug.
There are certainly risks to taking OxyContin long-term or abusing it. At the severe end, you could suffer a drug overdose that may include death, especially if you are taking more than prescribed; or, if you are buying the drug on the streets and using it without a prescription.
Those that stop using the drug and then start using it again at the same dose they stopped at are even more at risk of overdosing. The reason is because your body’s tolerance level drops when you stop using it. If time goes by and you decide to use the drug again, and use it at the same dosage you were using it, this can be too much for your body to handle, essentially causing you to overdose.
Abusing OxyContin can also make any current mental health disorders more challenging, including:
It’s also quite dangerous to mix OxyContin with alcohol or other drugs like benzodiazepines or sedatives.
If you become addicted to OxyContin, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms as you try to get off the drug. Note that medical experts state that you should never try to quit taking OxyContin cold turkey or abruptly, as this can be quite dangerous.
The recommended way to come off OxyContin is to taper off the drug under medical supervision. Most experts recommend you go to a detox center to get through the withdrawal symptoms, as there you have access to support and detox therapy that will make the withdrawal process more comfortable. It may help you to know ahead of time what kinds of withdrawal symptoms you may experience.
Common OxyContin withdrawal symptoms include:
Good news is that there are effective evidence-based treatments for OxyContin addiction. Here at Into Action Recovery, we offer a residential and transitional program to help you build a strong recovery foundation.
We also offer Long Term Sober Living for those who need or want that extra time before moving back home. We take pride in offering individualized, customized programs that fit your unique needs and desires. You’ll be surrounded by addiction specialists who are knowledgeable and compassionate. You’ll have access to an individual counselor, group therapy, support groups, as well as time to simply focus on you.
The first step to overcoming OxyContin addiction is to acknowledge that you have become addicted. Reaching out for help is the second step, so take the time today and contact us. Our professional, warm staff members are ready and waiting to assist you with your concerns and/or questions.
Recovering from OxyContin addiction is possible. Start your path to freedom today.
If you need help or have any questions about us contact us right away.