Recognizing OxyContin abuse can be crucial to helping someone regain control of their life back. The effects of this drug affect all aspects of a person’s life and can change someone from a personable and outgoing individual to an isolated and angry person. Loved ones can identify when someone they care about is using and abusing this dangerous drug, and knowing the signs to look out for can help. Identifying there is a problem as soon as possible can help to ensure the loved one’s safety and health.
OxyContin Uses
OxyContin is a prescription medication used for the treatment and management of chronic pain. It is only legally attainable through a medical prescription from a doctor. Opioid painkillers such as OxyContin can be beneficial to those who suffer from long-term chronic pain. However, the effects of Oxy often lead to abuse of the drug. It works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals throughout the body. It is a potent pain reliever and has a high potential for abuse and addiction.
How OxyContin Addiction Develops
Because OxyContin is such a powerful and addictive drug, abuse and addiction to this substance can be dangerous. Recognizing OxyContin abuse can help loved ones to intervene before severely adverse effects occur.
OxyContin addiction develops as a result of abusing the drug. Continued use and abuse of this drug can cause a tolerance to build, meaning that the normal dosage of it does not effectively work for an individual any longer. This can result in them taking higher and higher doses in order to achieve the desired effects.
Taking higher doses leads to further dependence on the drug. The body becomes dependent on it in order to function properly on a daily basis. Using more and more of the drug and then abruptly stopping can result in severe withdrawal symptoms that can be uncomfortable and painful. Recognizing OxyContin abuse can help to prevent this from happening.
Effects of OxyContin Abuse
The effects produced by OxyContin make them so commonly abused. The way it can affect a person makes it a highly sought and often abused drug. The effects that can be produced by OxyContin include euphoria, reduced anxiety, and relaxation. It can feel like the problems in a person’s life have dissipated and they feel better. However, this is a false sense of security. As the use and abuse of this drug continues, some severe consequences can present themselves.
Because OxyContin binds to the opioid receptors in the brain, it can begin to change the brain’s chemistry as time progresses. The longer this drug is used or abused, the harder it can be to reverse some of the effects of it.
Further adverse effects that can occur as a result of OxyContin abuse include respiratory depression. High doses of OxyContin can lead to dramatically slowed breathing which can lead to coma or death. Other health concerns that can occur as a result of abusing this drug include liver and kidney damage. These are vital organs in the body and when they become damaged it can lead to severe health complications that can be difficult or impossible to reverse.
The greatest effect of OxyContin abuse can be addiction and overdose. When someone becomes addicted to this substance it can lead to fatality. Seeking help as soon as possible can help to prevent this devastating result.
OxyContin Polydrug Use
Polydrug use is when a person is using more than one substance at the same time or within close proximity. This can include drinking alcohol while taking OxyContin, or mixing it with other drugs such as Xanax or cocaine. This can cause interactions between the drugs. These interactions can be unexpected and unpredictable. They can lead to dangerous and life-threatening results and lifelong changes that can have severe impacts on daily life.
OxyContin Side Effects and Withdrawal
Withdrawal from OxyContin can be extremely unpleasant and painful. Undergoing withdrawal from this drug without professional medical guidance, support, and monitoring can result in dangerous effects. Symptoms associated with OxyContin withdrawal include nausea and vomiting, muscle aches and cramps, restlessness, insomnia, upset stomach, headache, and in severe cases can include delirium and seizures. This is why it is so highly recommended to go through this process with medical monitoring. This can help to prevent some of the more severe symptoms that can result in dangerous effects.
Reaching out for help is the first step, then the journey to recovery can begin.
Healing with Louisville Addiction Center
Struggling with OxyContin abuse can lead to some severe impacts on a person’s life. Every aspect from interpersonal and family relationships to careers can be impacted by abuse and addiction to Oxy. It can lead to impacts on health and overall well-being. If you or a loved one are struggling, seeking professional help is highly recommended. At Louisville Addiction Center we offer personalized care to those individuals who seek our help. Our trained professionals are standing by to help as you begin the process of finding recovery from OxyContin addiction and abuse.
Contact us today to begin your journey.
502-586-4554
