Chances are you’ve heard about the nation’s opioid epidemic on the local or national news. But did you know that OxyContin, a prescription pain medication, is one of the drugs at the center of this epidemic? Find out more about Oxycontin abuse below, and learn how to reach out for help via the opioids addiction hotline.
What Is OxyContin, and How Is It Commonly Abused?
OxyContin is a brand-name medication; the generic form is oxycodone. It’s a prescription drug used to manage pain in short-term situations, such as after surgery, and long-term situations where patients face moderate or severe pain on an ongoing basis. OxyContin and oxycodone, in general, belong to a class of prescription drugs known as opioids.
Other prescription opioids include:
- Vicodin and other forms of hydrocodone
- Percocet and other forms of oxycodone
- Opana and other forms of oxymorphone
- Avinza and other forms of morphine
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
OxyContin and similar pain medications are abused in several ways. People can abuse these prescription medications by taking them in a way that’s not prescribed or by taking medication that isn’t prescribed for them to begin with. Some people purchase illegal prescription meds on the street.
Individuals who abuse OxyContin may take it in pill form or crush the pill to snort it or dissolve it in water so it can be injected. Crushing or chewing the pill rather than swallowing it whole reduces the controlled release trait of the medication, which means the impact of OxyContin hits the body faster.
According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, around 1 million people aged 12 and older reported using OxyContin or oxycodone at some point in their life in a way that wasn’t prescribed.
Dangers of OxyContin Abuse
Abuse of opioids like OxyContin can have serious negative consequences for someone’s health, relationships, lifestyle and even their freedom. These drugs are highly addictive, and regular use can lead to physical dependency and growing tolerance. This means someone needs to take opioids to keep from experiencing uncomfortable withdrawals, and they need to take increasing amounts to get the same impact.
This need to take more and more OxyContin can lead to a greater risk of overdose. Opioid overdose can be life-threatening — in 2022, an average of 224 people per day died from opioid-related overdoses.
Other side effects and dangers associated with OxyContin and opioid abuse include:
- Respiratory depression. Someone who takes a larger amount of the drug can experience trouble breathing.
- Blood-borne viruses. Individuals who inject opioids put themselves at risk for diseases that can be transmitted through the blood, including hepatitis B and C and HIV.
- Liver damage. Some prescription oxycodone also contains acetaminophen, and extended use of this drug can have a negative impact on the liver.
- Extreme drowsiness. Individuals who take a lot of OxyContin can experience sudden and extreme drowsiness, which can be a safety issue depending on their environment and what they’re doing.
In addition to physical side effects and dangers to your health, OxyContin abuse can have negative effects on:
- Your work. If you’re abusing drugs at work, you may put your job at risk. You could also put your own safety and the safety of your coworkers at risk.
- Relationships. In many cases, the way opioid abuse changes someone’s habits and personality can negatively impact their romantic, family and friend relationships.
- Your freedom. It’s illegal to use OxyContin and similar prescription medications in a way that wasn’t specifically prescribed for you. You risk being arrested and facing legal challenges if you do.
Challenges of OxyContin Withdrawal
Opioids like OxyContin change the way your brain and body work. As you use them and become physically dependent on them, your body begins to see opioids as a normal addition in your body. If you stop taking them suddenly, your body reacts to this change as if something’s wrong, and that can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Digestive issues, including stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Muscle, joint and general body aches
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Trembling and anxiety shakes
- Changes to blood pressure and heart rate
- Depression and thoughts of suicide
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be frightening and, in serious cases, even life-threatening. This makes it incredibly challenging for someone who’s already physically dependent on the medication to stop using it. Instead of stopping OxyContin abuse on your own, consider calling the opioid hotline to get connected with resources to help you on your detox and rehab journey.
Treatment Options for OxyContin Abuse
Often, treatment for OxyContin and opioid abuse begins with detox. You can find medically assisted detox programs that ensure you safely and more comfortably detox from OxyContin and other opioids. During the first week or two of detox, you’re supported by inpatient or outpatient staff. They may offer medication to help wean you off of opioids and options to treat withdrawal side effects like nausea or fever.
Once you’re past those few critical days or weeks and able to more successfully concentrate on something other than your detox, you can move into the next steps of rehab. These often include cognitive behavioral therapy or other forms of talk therapy, recreational therapy, group and family therapy and other methods that have been demonstrated to work well for opioid addiction recovery.
When to Call an Opioids Addiction Hotline
Opioid dependence can happen more quickly than you might believe. If you think you may be physically dependent on OxyContin or think a loved one is abusing opioids, it’s important to seek out experienced and caring support as early as possible. You can call the National Rehab Hotline to speak with trained representatives at the opioid helpline who can help you understand your options for treatment and connect you with resources in your area. Call now at (866) 210-1303.