Oxycontin Abuse
OxyContin (Oxycodone HCl) is a prescription painkiller that is highly potent and in the opioid class of drugs, and has a high level of addiction among users. Even though OxyContin is prescribed for patients legitamate medical conditions such as moderate or severe pain who need extended relief from treatment of terminal cancer and severe injuries, even those who are using it for medical conditions as prescribed by a medical professional can develop an addiction to this drug. OxyContin is traditionally administered orally by tablet, but those with addictions to this medication have also been known to crush the tablet, removing the time release coating from the drug in order to get a quick high. The primary ingredient of OxyContin is OxyCodone, and addictive painkiller that is very similar to the effects of morphine.
With prolonged use or abuse of OxyContin, those abusing the drug will develop a tolerance for this prescription painkiller, thus requiring a larger dose of the medication in order achieve the same initial effects. Long-term use also can lead to physical dependence and OxyContin painkiller addiction because the body adapts to the the drug, and withdrawal symptoms will occur if drug use is reduced or stopped.
Some of the less side effects from using OxyContin can be altered mental status, constipation, dry mouth, confusion and lightheadedness. Withdrawal symptoms for those with OxyContin painkiller addiction can be begin in as little as a few hours and last for up to a week, depending on the severity of the painkiller addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can include, but are not limited to nausea and diarrhea, body pain, abdominal cramping, muscle cramps and spasms, chills or the “shakes,” runny nose and eyes, anxiety, depression, paranoia, insomnia, and heavy sweating.
