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OXYCONTIN ADDICTION

WHITE HOUSE RECOVERY & DETOX

The abuse and misuse of prescription and illicit pain medications have led to a national crisis. Opioids make up a large percentage of overdose deaths. The National Institute on Drug Abuse stated, “in 2019, nearly 50,000 people in the United States died from opioid-involved overdoses.” In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 38.4% increase in overdose deaths since 2019.

Oxycontin remains one of the most dangerous and deadly substances used for prescription pain management. Medications like Oxycontin are also among the most addictive. As a result, individuals prescribed brand-name oxycodone drugs have a much higher risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD). Learn more about general opioid symptoms and care by visiting our Opiate Addiction page. 

THE FORMS AND USES OF OXYCONTIN

Oxycontin is the brand name of the opioid Oxycodone. Doctors often use Oxycodone to treat their patient’s chronic or severe pain and discomfort. Common forms include:
  • Immediate-release tablet and extended-release tablet
  • Immediate-release capsule and extended-release capsule
  • Liquid

Other brand-name versions of the drug include Roxybond, Oxaydo, Roxicodone, and Oxycontin. You should always take Oxycontin by mouth to avoid dangerous side effects. However, some people who abuse Oxycontin crush it and then snort or dissolve it into liquid and inject the drug. Doing this has the potential to cause an overdose because it removes the built-in time-release factors.

COMMON COMPLICATIONS OF OXYCONTIN ADDICTION

Oxycontin abuse has similar physical effects as heroin when people take it by crushing the pills and snorting or injecting them. The resulting “high” will often come with increasingly shallow breathing and extremely low blood pressure, leading to unconsciousness, coma, or death. If taken with alcohol or other drugs, the risk increases substantially. 

To avoid complications during recovery, inform your doctor or care team of all medication or other substances you have taken. You may need treatment for multiple substance-related issues, which is not uncommon. Most facilities like White House Recovery and Detox have staff capable of treating all common forms of substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously. 

NOTICEABLE SIGNS OF OXYCONTIN ADDICTION

The noticeable symptoms of Oxycontin addiction are the same as those of other opioids. You can look for the following signs if you believe yourself or a loved one may be addicted to Oxycontin:

  • Mood and energy levels change before, during, and after taking Oxycontin
  • Withdrawal effects if you lower the dose or stop taking your medication
  • Purposefully taking too much medication or misusing it
  • Secretive behavior meant to hide activities surrounding procuring and taking Oxycontin
  • Borrowing or stealing money to buy illicit versions of the drug
  • Risk-taking behaviors
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Changes in appetite
  • Unusually aggressive behavior
  • “Doctor shopping” online or in-person to get multiple prescriptions
  • Decreased interest in hobbies and social groups
  • Shirking work, school, or relationship responsibilities in favor of obtaining or using Oxycontin

Not everyone will exhibit these signs, but they remain common in most individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders linked to opioids like Oxycontin.

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POSSIBLE HEALTH SIDE EFFECTS

You may notice a variety of physical effects after taking Oxycontin in any form. However, the most pronounced adverse reactions to the drug occur when you take it in a way different than recommended or at higher doses. Common side effects of Oxycontin abuse include:
  • Inability to focus, confusion, and difficulty thinking
  • Flu-like symptoms including cold skin, excessive sweating, exhaustion, vomiting, and nausea
  • Seizures
  • Feelings of weakness
  • Dizziness and issues with coordination
  • Slow breathing
  • Narrowed field of vision
  • Dilated pupils
  • Coma
  • Death

Not everyone who abuses Oxycontin becomes addicted. However, a potential overdose or other serious illness can result in any instance where it is misused. Addiction is not necessary to experience serious health repercussions. Treatment is essential for anyone who may have developed a tolerance or dependence on Oxycontin.

RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING OXYCONTIN ADDICTION

Opioids prescribed to treat pain like Oxycodone are among the most commonly abused. Risk factors associated with SUD involving Oxycontin include:

  • Long-term use of prescribed or illegally procured Oxycontin
  • Personal or family history of substance use or mental health disorders
  • Injury, illness, or disability resulting in severe pain
  • Other chronic or acute pain conditions

STANDARD TREATMENT AND THERAPY OPTIONS

Opioids like Oxycodone are extremely dangerous, and discontinuing safely requires the guidance of a care team trained to recognize and treat adverse side effects. Doctors and medical professionals at rehabilitation facilities like White House Recovery and Detox look at recovery in terms of holistic care. The mind, body, and spirit need help to heal from SUD and co-occurring conditions. To facilitate holistic care, most programs combine psychotherapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). 

Psychotherapy is an excellent tool for lowering stress, managing pain levels, and learning how to cope with overwhelming emotions. Standard therapy options you can choose for treating your SUD include the following:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Contingency Management (CM)
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Alternative Therapies like Music Therapy or Art Therapy

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Our dedicated, experienced staff are ready to do everything in their power to help you reach your full potential throughout your journey to overcome your obstacles and build a stronger life.