The opioid crisis in the US has been a persistent issue for the past couple of decades. Over 25,000 overdose deaths have been reported, with the primary cause being prescription opioids. One of the most prescribed pain killers is OxyContin. Understanding its essence will enable you to better identify if a loved one may be addicted to it.

OxyContin: Defined

OxyContin is one of the most popular brand names for the controlled opiate oxycodone. It is usually administered to alleviate acute or chronic pain. It relieves the patient by tricking the brain’s and nervous system’s pain receptors. The standard intake interval is every 12 hours, and the drug comes in the following dosages: 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, and 160 milligrams.

The conventional use of the pill is through ingestion. However, when people start abusing it, they resort to other methods of consumption, like crushing, smoking, snorting, and injecting. This often amplifies the effects of the drug and could perpetuate substance dependency. Some of the most frequent and deadly combinations involve other illicit narcotics like fentanyl and heroin.

Signs of an OxyContin Dependence & Addiction

Even when one follows OxyContin’s recommended dose & use, the chance of developing dependence is still high. If you notice that someone has been increasing their prescribed daily amount, you have a valid reason to assume they may be abusing OxyContin. If the behavior is consistent, it means that the person may have built up their tolerance to the drug, which is a strong sign of dependence.

Another possible symptom of misuse relates to a person’s inability to halt use. When the person starts speaking of the drug in non-medical ways and has obsessive thoughts about it, a dependence may have formed. Some of the frequent symptoms of OxyContin abuse include drowsiness, anxiety, depression, migraines, constrained pupils, and poor performance.

When OxyContin becomes necessary for normal functioning, the dependence has transformed into an addiction. Often, it is fed by the person’s desire to experience the ‘high’ of the drug time and time again. However, with repeat use, the physical & psychological tolerance increases, which only intensifies the severity of the withdrawal symptoms when the narcotic is avoided. This makes it more difficult and often impossible for the victim to get out of the vicious cycle of substance abuse.

Doctor Shopping & Combining Substances

Some of the typical signs of OxyContin addiction include seeking fake prescriptions and doctor shopping. Often, patients pretend to be sick to acquire higher doses of the medication. Redistribution is another common concern with OxyContin doctor shopping.

Most OxyContin fatalities are induced by mixing it up with other drugs, like stimulants or alcohol. Due to increased tolerance, the user requires a more potent concoction now. What he fails to recognize is that the risk of an overdose is also higher.

Some of the typical symptoms of an OxyContin addiction include:

• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Excessive perspiration
• Vomiting
• Cramps and muscle aches
• Depression
• Faulty use of OxyContin
• Dizziness/seizures
• Weight loss & lack of appetite
• Hallucinations

Treating an OxyContin Addiction

Once an OxyContin addiction has formed, the patient may experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. The safest and most efficient way to cope with them is through admittance to a detox center. Though a home treatment may be possible, it is not recommendable, as pain and other mental complication may arise.

Various medications are administered to alleviate the symptoms of an OxyContin addiction. One of the most popular ones is Clonidine. It is known for its calming properties that often help the patient manage his anxiety and irritability.

Another frequently used symptom reversal medication is Suboxone. It affects the patient differently, enabling him to experience euphoric sensations without using opioids. Because of its nature, this drug should never be taken without medical supervision, and extreme caution should be exercised.

Detox Centers: The Safer Path to Recovery

If you suspect that someone you know is suffering from an OxyContin addiction, you should take immediate measures. Start with a compassionate conversation and do not get disheartened if the person denies the issue at first. The more you communicate about it, the higher the chances of admitting and accepting it.

The next step will be to find a reputable detox center. A Google search for your local area is a great starting point, e.g. “Pennsylvania OxyContin Detox Facilities” or “Medical detox center near me”. Once you have narrowed down the options, initiate contact, and be sure to ask as many questions as necessary. Watch out for red flags and consult with your physician before undergoing treatment.