Oxycontin Addiction
OxyContin addiction is a relatively new, but very serious,
concern. Like Vicodin addiction or other forms of prescription
drug addiction, OxyContin addiction occurs when patients
take high doses of this prescription drug for an extended
period of time. Although these prescription drugs are
intended for medicinal use only, OxyContin addiction,
like Vicodin addiction, is an unfortunate occurrence.
One of several opiates available by prescription, OxyContin
is a powerful painkiller available in time-release tablets
whose effects last for twelve hours. When used as prescribed,
OxyContin manages pain for cancer patients and chronic
pain sufferers. However, OxyContin addiction has created
an entirely new set of problems.
First introduced to the public in 1996, OxyContin is
a white, odorless, crystalline powder derived from the
opium alkaloid. A very strong narcotic, OxyContin is
similar in effect to morphine. OxyContin addiction under
a qualified physician's care is rare. According to the
National Institute on Drug Abuse, however, many physicians
limit prescribing OxyContin because they believe patients
may become addicted to the drug.
Because OxyContin is a time-released drug, taking one
or more pills should not produce an effect attractive
to drug addicts. When taken correctly, OxyContin does
not produce euphoria. When the drug is released all
at once, however, broken, crushed or chewed (as is the
case with those experiencing OxyContin addiction), OxyContin
produces a pleasant, euphoric feeling. OxyContin addiction
can also cause overdose and death.
People with OxyContin addiction acquire the drugs in
a variety of ways, including forging fraudulent prescriptions,
visiting several different doctors for prescriptions
or buying the drugs illegally on the street. Because
most health insurance companies will cover the costs
of OxyContin, abusers can purchase the drugs at pharmacy
prices, and then sell the OxyContin for wildly inflated
street prices.
Unfortunately, many of those suffering from OxyContin
addiction have health insurance that will no longer
pay for prescriptions. Because these addicts cannot
afford the high street-level prices, they often switch
to heroin; OxyContin and heroin have similar effects,
so both drugs are attractive to the same abuser population.
In fact, OxyContin is sometimes referred to as "poor
man's heroin."
Like other substance abuse problems, OxyContin addiction
cannot be treated effectively at home, but requires
close supervision by a trained medical professional.
Because OxyContin addiction affects the brain's chemical
make-up, drug abusers who attempt to detox at home will
experience severe withdrawal symptoms. In a medical
environment, these symptoms can be eased and the addict
undergoing detox made more comfortable.
Treatment Referral provides referrals to rehabs that
effectively treat OxyContin addiction and other forms
of substance abuse, addressing the behavior and thinking
patterns that directly contribute to the individual's
disease and ensuring patients have a meaningful recovery.
If OxyContin addiction might be a problem for you or
someone you love, we encourage you to give Treatment
Referral a call today to learn more about our treatment
options. 800.399.3612
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