Addiction is often viewed as a character flaw or moral failure. Advances in brain imaging, however, have verified a biological basis for the drug cravings that drive addictive behavior. Although there is certainly an element of will and choice involved in the addictive process, OxyContin addiction is indeed a physical disease.
OxyContin-Related Brain Changes
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that addiction is a disease because it disrupts the functioning of an organ (the brain)....
OxyContin is the brand name of a highly potent narcotic pain reliever called oxycodone. OxyContin is prescribed to treat severe pain and also comes in an extended release form which is used for around-the-clock treatment of chronic pain. Because it is so potent, OxyContin is highly addictive. It is particularly dangerous when broken, crushed or dissolved for recreational use. Extended release tablets are designed to release small amounts of the drug over an extended period. When these pills are...
OxyContin may lead to dangerous effects on the user and those surrounding the user. Users may need to get OxyContin treatment help. Here are some facts and statistics on OxyContin:
OxyContin is blamed for almost 1,000 deaths per year – and that number continues to rise as more time passes.
OxyContin theft is becoming more and more of a law-enforcement problem. Over 2,000 OxyContin related crimes were committed in 2008 alone.
Emergency room visits as a result of OxyContin use number in the...
OxyContin Types
There are several different ways to take OxyContin; however, taking it in any way that is not prescribed by your doctor is very dangerous. OxyContin is a highly dependent drug, so taking it improperly could easily lead to an addiction and require OxyContin treatment help. The only ways of taking it that are prescribed to patients are swallowing a tablet, extended-release capsule or a liquid. However, those who abuse OxyContin often crush, chew or dissolve it into a liquid to...
The most common cycle of addiction involving OxyContin is a user who begins using opiates occasionally, then over time becomes physically addicted and begins using daily. OxyContin in America is a growing problem. Opiate drugs are narcotic sedatives that depress activity of the central nervous system, reduce pain and induce sleep. After becoming physically addicted, there is a 60 percent likelihood of becoming an IV drug user within the next three years. It is important to understand that...
Used in post traumatic accidents that involve serious injury or surgery, OxyContin has become a popular narcotic painkiller to help manage the discomfort. It’s available by prescription in a pill or liquid form. When used in controlled circumstances for the management of moderate-to-severe pain, the drug can have a profound effect on how well people are able to conduct their lives.
OxyContin is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential level of addiction and is...