Oxycontin Addiction

Oxycontin Addiction Statistics

It’s estimated that 9% of all adults in the United States have or will abuse opioid narcotics such as Oxycontin. The US Department of Justice discovered that over 13 million individuals in the US used Oxycontin for recreational purposes.

The Monitoring the Future Survey, funded by NIDA, found that about 1 in 30 high school seniors has abused OxyContin at least once.

NIDA reports that despite a modest decline in OxyContin abuse since 2010, the rate of oxycodone abuse overall has remained steady.

Causes of Oxycontin Addiction

Similar to heroin, Oxycontin produces – along with pain management – a euphoric high caused by stimulation of the reward center of the brain. Oxycontin elevates levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is considered the pleasure chemical of the brain.

Individuals who abuse “hillbilly heroin,” usually do so in one of three manners. They will crush the pill into a fine powder before snorting it, they will chew it, or they will crush the tablet and dissolve the powder into water before IV injection. These methods were once able to defeat the extended-release coating on the pills. These methods can drastically increase the risk for overdose on OC. As of September 2013, Oxy was reformulated to make crushing the tablets a challenge to discourage the abuse of this potent narcotic.

Many individuals who abuse Oxy also abuse other substances. Some will opt to combine OC with other downers such as benzodiazepines or alcohol to further the high. This combination can be particularly deadly as all downers lead to respiratory depression, and the combination can cause death. Some individuals use Oxy with stimulants such as amphetamines, cocaine, and meth in order to subdue the unpleasant side effects of stimulant abuse. This combination can lead to consequences such as heart attack and stroke.

Oxycontin is a wonderful medication if used in the right way for the right period of time. However, if an individual becomes hooked on Oxycontin, a hard road of tolerance, addiction, and rehab lies ahead.

Signs and Symptoms of Oxycontin Addiction

The symptoms of Oxycontin addiction will vary tremendously among individuals. Symptoms will depend upon the length of addiction, the frequency of use, and amount of Oxycontin used. Symptoms common to Oxy abuse include:

Mood symptoms:

• Depression
• Euphoria
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Irritability

Behavioral symptoms:

• Lying to others about amount used
• Hiding use of Oxy from others
• Borrowing or stealing pills from loved ones
• “Doctor shopping” or visiting many doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions
• Forging prescriptions
• Consistently “losing” prescriptions
• Hiding OxyContin in various places around the house
• Drowsiness
• Track marks on arms and legs
• Financial problems
• Borrowing or stealing money from friends and family
• Neglecting responsibilities at work or home
• Strained interpersonal relationships

Physical symptoms:

• “Nodding out”
• Dizziness
• Itching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Pupillary constriction
• Hypotension
• Respiratory depression
• Headache
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Physical tolerance

Psychological symptoms:

• Addiction
• Psychological tolerance
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Delusions
• Worsening emotional health
• Increase in mental illness symptoms

Effects of Oxycontin Addiction

The effects of Oxycontin addiction will impact nearly every aspect of an addict’s life leaving virtually nothing unscathed. Common effects of long-term Oxycontin use include:

• Loss of interpersonal relationships
• Divorce
• Child and domestic abuse
• Job loss
• Homelessness
• Liver damage
• Breathing irregularity
• Respiratory failure
• Seizures
• Myocardial infarction
• Coma
• Death
• Unintentional overdose

Many addictions exist with a co-occurring mental illness. The most common co-occurring disorders include:

• Depressive disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Alcoholism
• Other substance abuse

Oxycontin Addiction Treatment

Withdrawing from Oxycontin is extremely unpleasant and should be done in under the supervision of a trained rehab staff with medical monitoring to reduce the severity of symptoms. Symptoms of Oxy withdrawal include:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Bone and muscle pain
• Panic attacks
• Insomnia
• Weakness
• Sweating and chills

If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to OxyContin, it is crucial to seek OxyContin abuse treatment as soon as possible.

Once a person has completed detox for Oxycontin addiction, he or she may choose to continue his or her treatment with a long-term rehab program. Although there are many 30-day programs out there that claim to provide lasting results, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug rehab of at least 90 days provides the best opportunity for lasting, long-term sobriety. For many people, 30 days just isn’t long enough to make a lasting change, and a long-term rehab program may provide the best results.

During drug rehab for Oxycontin addiction, clients will learn more about the disease of addiction, work through the 12-step (or similar) program, learn relapse prevention strategies, and gain essential life skills that will help them stay sober. 

Though there are countless rehab facilities around the country, there are two primary types of drug rehab: inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab. When determining which type of treatment is best for you or your loved one, it’s essential that you understand the main differences between the two. This will help you determine which type of treatment will best meet your needs.

Inpatient drug rehab takes place at a facility that is designed to provide a safe and supportive living environment for individuals who are suffering from substance abuse problems. Clients live on-site throughout the duration of their treatment program and all residents must follow a structured daily schedule and code of conduct to remain enrolled. This typically involves maintaining ongoing sobriety, adhering to the requirements of the recovery program, and submitting to random drug testing.

The primary difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab is that outpatient treatment does not require the client to live on-site at a rehab center throughout the duration of his or her program. Instead, the client attends group meetings several times each week at a local clinical location. Sessions are facilitated by experienced treatment staff and involve other individuals who are recovering from addiction.

Outpatient treatment is typically a better option for someone who cannot commit to a 90-day inpatient program or who has to live at home for financial reasons or to care for children. On the other hand, a person who needs more structure to successfully remain sober may do better with an inpatient program.

The overall cost of drug and alcohol rehab programs will vary depending on the type of program, the location, the services offered, and various other factors. Clients typically have several different payment options, which may include utilizing their medical insurance benefits, EAP benefits, taking out a private loan, or making out-of-pocket payments.

Genuine and lasting recovery from Oxycontin addiction is something that will take time, continued effort, and a strong support system. For this reason, many people recovery from opioid addiction continue their treatment with a sober living program and/or aftercare program upon completion of rehab.

Aftercare programs are designed to support individuals who have already completed an inpatient or outpatient program. Continued care is provided in the form of weekly group meetings facilitated by a licensed counselor.

Alumni who enroll in aftercare attend these meetings and use them as regular sobriety check-ins. Meetings also provide additional opportunities to connect with other people in recovery, share personal struggles, and provide support to other people battling addiction.

An addict cannot get through it alone. Oxycontin addiction treatment should be approached in holistic manner including intensive therapy, behavioral therapies and support that leading rehab centers provide. If you are fighting urges to use, even if you believe the problem is under control, call us right now at 855-706-9275. Our helpline representatives can answer your questions and provide you with tips for immediate treatment options at the appropriate recovery center in your area.