Drug Addiction - Oxycontin

Oxycontin is a brand name of drug belonging to the opioids family. Oxycontin contains oxycodone- a pain-relieving synthetic substance derived from the unripe seeds of the poppy plant. The poppy plant is also used to produce opium, morphine, and heroin- all highly addictive drugs. These drugs are used primarily to treat severe or chronic pain caused by arthritis, trauma, surgery, injuries, and pain caused by debilitating conditions such as HIV and cancer. However, because many of these conditions require pain management for significant periods of time, Oxycontin addictions can develop. Drug treatment centers have reported record numbers of people specifically seeking drug rehab for Oxycontin addiction. But in addition to its superior pain relieving effects, the drug also produces intense feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and general well-being, which has made Oxycontin addiction treatment an issue of serious concern for health care professionals and family members of those suffering from addiction to the drug. Everyone who takes prescription pain medications, like Oxycontin for extended periods of time, will develop a tolerance to the drugs. Unfortunately, tolerance is the first step towards physical dependence. Physical dependence on Oxycontin occurs after repeated and prolonged use, but can happen in as little as two weeks, and often develops into an addiction.

People suffering from an addiction to Oxycontin may make numerous mistakes in their dosing amounts and schedules. They may take too much of the drug, not enough, complain that they cannot remember if they took the drug or not, or misplace their prescription. They may fabricate reasons why they need more medication: they lost it, it was stolen, and the drug isn�t working as well or for as long as previously. In the throes of a full-blown Oxycontin addiction, users are often unable to discontinue use of the drug despite legal troubles, relationship issues, the loss of property or careers, financial difficulties, and physical deterioration directly caused by the addiction. Often, users will admit to the Oxycontin addiction, and say they want to stop, but simply can�t. For them, consequences pale in comparison with the urge to continue using the drug. Oxycontin addiction is often characterized by a complete obsession with the drug. A user�s life may be entirely consumed with finding the drug, associating with other addicts, using the drug, recovering from its effects, and obtaining more. The Oxycontin addict will often spend most of his or her time thinking about the drug, even if their supply is plentiful. When these symptoms are recognized by loved ones, a sound Oxycontin addiction treatment plan must be administered in order to prevent disastrous and long term consequences for the individual addicted to Oxycontin.

People who have developed a physical dependence to oxycodone products are not able to stop taking the drug or decrease the amount of the drug without experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from Oxycontin abuse rarely is life threatening, but it is strongly recommended by experts in the field of addiction, that individuals detox from Oxycontin in the context of a long term drug treatment program. Patients addicted to Oxycontin will suffer withdrawal symptoms that include, nausea, vomiting, depression, anxiety, diarrhea, insomnia, muscle spasms, gastrointestinal issues, sweating, crying, involuntary leg movements and other problems.

Altering or tampering with a dose of OxyContin can quickly lead to overdose or death. This includes crushing, chewing or otherwise breaking the pill to feel effects quicker. This causes the rapid release of a potentially lethal amount of the drug to flood the system. Taking OxyContin with other substances can also cause an overdose or death. These can include alcohol, other narcotic drugs, other prescription medication and illicit substances. OxyContin is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Other medications that have this effect will magnify medical complications when combined.

Symptoms of an Oxycontin overdose can vary among users. They include slowed or difficult breathing, slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, cold and clammy skin, weak or limp muscles, extreme fatigue that can progress to coma, cardiac arrest and death. Emergency medical attention should be sought immediately at the onset of any of these symptoms

Once the individual with the Oxycontin addiction is no longer physically dependent upon the drug, treatment can truly begin. This usually involves following through with a complete drug rehabilitation program .This is an important step, as removing the user from the environments and triggers that caused them to abuse drugs in the first place are essential to create lasting success.