When used appropriately and under a medical doctor’s orders, one OxyContin pill is swallowed whole every twelve hours or more. OxyContin must not, under any circumstances, be used as needed, since even one dose can lead to a treacherous addiction cycle.

If OxyContin is chewed, snorted, or injected, the user may overdose, which often leads to death. Yet another lethal misuse is when OxyContin is combined with alcohol, and therefore, a user must never drink even remotely near to the time that he or she has taken this pill. OxyContin has a very delicate chemistry, which is why this drug is only legally authorized under medical supervision.

Due to the strength of OxyContin, even patients under doctor’s orders may develop addiction and experience withdrawal. In fact, every user is at risk for an OxyContin problem or addiction. Though not always the case, when a doctor lowers a dosage or takes a patient off OxyContin, the patient may panic, as a result of increased pain and little hope for relief. All addicts, whether or not they initially used OxyContin by prescription, may illicitly acquire the drug through theft, identity fraud, or underhand transactions. OxyContin is illegally sold on both the streets and the Internet. (Watch this OxyContin video.)

OxyContin withdrawal symptoms include the following:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia or sleep disturbance
• Muscle and joint pain
• Restlessness
• Involuntary leg movements
• Extreme irritability

Symptoms of OxyContin overdose include:

• Dizziness
• Slow breathing
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Coma
• Dry mouth
• Clammy skin
• Small pupils

OxyContin Intervention

OxyContin is a synthetic opiate, and less than 1% of opiate addicts recover successfully without treatment. If someone close to you is struggling with OxyContin abuse, an intervention is probably in the user’s best interest.

The goal of an intervention is not to corner the addict and ignite guilt. When performing an intervention, one should lovingly help the user understand the magnitude of his problem, and proceed to empower him to begin recovery. Interventions should involve many people, and when planning one, choose the user’s closest family and friends, people the user might turn to without prompting.

The intervention must be well planned and executed, often with arrangements already made at a treatment facility. Once the drug abuser admits that he has a serious problem and is willing to take action, the user is taken to a rehab, where recovery begins. Professionals at the rehab center keep family members well informed about the recovery process and educate them on how to help their loved one stay sober and comfortable after rehab.

OxyContin Addiction Help

If you or someone you love is struggling with OxyContin abuse and need OxyContin treatment help, now is the time to begin recovery. Please call our toll free number to reach a knowledgeable and experienced counselor. We are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us today.

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