OxyContin is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential level of addiction and is therefore only available by prescription from a licensed medical professional. Nonetheless, some people obtain the drug via illicit methods in order to use OxyContin as a recreational drug. When taken out of context, this drug can cause severe health problems and require OxyContin treatment.

Short Term Effects of OxyContin

While taken properly, OxyContin can be helpful in managing pain. However, if abused, OxyContin can cause health problems. If you think a loved one is abusing OxyContin, look for these warning signs:

• The most serious effect is respiratory depression (slow breathing). This would come with taking a large dose of an opioid, and can lead to death. Here are some OxyContin abuse signs.
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Sedation
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Weakness
• Small pupils
• Reduced vision

Long Term Effects of OxyContin

Many doctors prescribe OxyContin to relieve pain. If used properly, the patient will rarely become addicted. However, if abused, the long-term effects are undesirable.

• Chronic use of opioids can result in tolerance of the drug. This tolerance means the user will have to take a larger dose in order to receive the same initial feeling.
• Only using OxyContin for a short time will not lead to dependence, but prolonged use will lead to dependence and addiction.
• Withdraw symptoms will occur if a user tries to stop after prolonged use.

OxyContin Withdrawal Effects

Since OxyContin is an addictive drug, a user will experience withdrawal effects when trying to quit. Most patients who have been prescribed OxyContin are advised to slowly stop taking the pills to avoid experiencing withdrawal effects. These include:

• Tiredness or fatigue
• Constant yawning
• Hot/cold sweats
• Heart palpitations
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Uncontrollable coughing
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Watery eyes
• Depression

Looking at OxyContin Drug Addiction

As an addict, making the decision to seek help through detox and recovery rehabilitation can be overwhelming and frightening. By avoiding these pitfalls, an addict may be better able to evaluate themselves, their addiction and their commitment to recovery:

• Intentional drug addiction – Very few people intend to become drug addicts. By the time a patient has the physical and psychological dependency on a drug, that person has probably transitioned from a voluntary user to a compulsive user.
• The brain-behavior connection – An addict needs to realize that regardless of the drug used, the drug did have an impact on how the brain functions and those changes directly affect your behaviors. By acknowledging this medical fact, you can better understand the impetus for the behaviors.
• Opposition to treatment – A person’s natural tendency is to stay within a realm of comfort. No one embraces doing something that is filled with uncertainty or that will require an effort that the addict does not believe they can commit. Don’t wait until you “want” to get help; the sooner you get started toward recovery, the greater the likelihood that you will succeed.
• A single solution – There is no single solution for addiction recovery, and it may take more than one attempt to succeed. An addict needs to take the time to evaluate their needs, explore options and commit to a treatment plan that they feel best meets their requirements.
• No need for after treatment support – Research indicates that those who are able to enjoy a drug-free lifestyle after treatment are able to do so because they sought effective after-treatment support. Recovery is a process, for most a lifelong process, and treatment is just one step in the process.

OxyContin Help

If you or a loved one is addicted to OxyContin, it is important to seek help. OxyContin is a highly dependent drug. Once addicted, the effects are devastating. Many lose their jobs, dreams, and ambitions. But, there is hope. If you are interested in receiving information on OxyContin treatment or detox, please call our toll free number at (866) 872-6490. (Watch this OxyContin video.)

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