OxyContin is a prescription painkiller that is widely abused in the United States. The popularity of the drug has grown in recent years, and there is an extremely high market for the drug among teenagers. The dangers and risks associated with OxyContin abuse are severe. Classified as a schedule II narcotic, the threat of addiction for the drug is high. Within a week’s time OxyContin abuse can develop into a full addiction.
OxyContin use poses significant risk. Overdose is a common complication that occurs with OxyContin abuse, especially when the drug is combined with alcohol or other substances. OxyContin can do the following:
If OxyContin abuse continues, the physical effects can lead to death. Misuse also increases the likelihood of OxyContin-related fatalities. Abusers may crush OxyContin when taking it in order to achieve an immediate high. OxyContin is a time-released drug, and when crushed the drug’s effects felt immediately and are more powerful.
The illegal possession, use or sale of OxyContin can land a person in jail for over 20 years. Despite this fact and the known dangers of using the drug, people will continue to abuse OxyContin and become addicted. Many OxyContin addicts choose to keep their addiction secret. Some are simply afraid of getting caught and dealing with the repercussions, while other users may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their struggle. OxyContin addiction may develop from a legitimate medical need and prescription, and those addicted may not want to let their loved ones down. Unfortunately, keeping an OxyContin addiction hidden further isolates individuals and prevents them from getting the help necessary for OxyContin addiction recovery.
Someone struggling with an addiction to OxyContin should not attempt to recover alone. Once a person has discovered and acknowledged his or her addiction, the individual may wish or talk about finding treatment without actually doing it. Attempting to quit an addiction can seem overwhelming, and most users become too discouraged to get help on their own. Opening up about an addiction struggle to friends and family may seem scary or embarrassing, but once the secret is out an enormous weight is lifted from the OxyContin user’s shoulders. Being truthful about an addiction struggle provides a sense of relief. Friends and family are now able to better understand what the individual is going through, and they can provide support and motivation when finding OxyContin addiction recovery help. OxyContin users can open up to any individual that genuinely cares about what is best for the user and will help when finding treatment for addiction.
The best treatment for OxyContin addiction is a rehab program. During rehab recovering OxyContin users are surrounded by a staff of rehab professionals who are trained to provide the best and most comfortable treatment methods available. Patients are able to quit the drug safely, as doctors monitor the detox process to minimize OxyContin withdrawal symptoms. Rehab offers counseling and therapy programs to assist with the psychological healing and recovery process. During rehab a recovering individual can share and talk about addiction recovery struggles with other patients and counselors.
If you are struggling with OxyContin addiction and are unsure of who to talk to, we are here to help. You can begin by calling our confidential toll-free helpline. We are ready to listen 24 hours a day and provide you with the encouragement, guidance and information you are looking for. Break free from OxyContin today; call now.