OxyContin Addiction

OxyContin Addiction

What is OxyContin?

OxyContin (oxycodone HCI) is the brand name of an opiate drug that is prescribed for individuals suffering from chronic pain. Opiates relieve pain by affecting the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. In general opiates are nervous system depressants. Purdue Pharma owns the rights to OxyContin, the time release form of oxycodone. OxyContin is sold in tablet form and is only available by prescription however over the last few years it has hit the streets with force.

OxyContin users chew, crush up and snort, or inject the drug directly into the blood stream.

OxyContin Is Approved by the U.S. FDA

In 1995, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Purdue Pharma to sale the drug to the public. Within 5 years OxyContin became the most popular selling narcotic pain reliever in the U.S. In 2008 sales in the U.S. totaled $2.5 billion in revenue for Purdue Pharma. OxyContin is now distributed in Europe, Australia, and China by Mundipharma. Prescribed for moderate to severe pain, this new opiate quickly became one of the most addictive prescription drugs on the market.

OxyContin Addiction Follows Quickly

Addiction to OxyContin followed as fast as the sales did. Within the first year rehabs were being overrun by addicts of the new top selling drug sharing the same addiction story, “I was prescribed them, and now I am an addict.” The Addiction Industry began to send out warnings that unfortunately were not heard in time. OxyContin is now one of the top treated addictions in the world.

Addiction to OxyContin can Happen by Accident

Just as other opiates the addiction rate to OxyContin is on a rise. Many prescription opiates are addictive due to the effects they have on the user. Prescription opiates relieve pain, cause euphoria and relaxation in the user similar to heroin. OxyContin users quickly build up a tolerance to the drug so the need to increase the dosage rises. OxyContin abuse causes a physical dependency in the user so severe that the body starts to go through withdrawals within 6 hours of the last dose.

OxyContin can turn the Patient into an Addict

OxyContin can turn the patient into an addict. Due to the fact that OxyContin is prescribed for moderate to severe pain, many addicts will go to great lengths such as creating a false condition to obtain a prescription. There is also a mass abundance of OxyContin on the street but that option is much more expensive for the addict.

Street Names OxyContin Addicts Might Use

Dangers of OxyContin

Side Effects Involved with OxyContin Use and Addiction

Dangers Involved with OxyContin Use and Addiction

• Depression
• Pounding Heart
• Hallucinations
• Hives or Rashes
• Intense sweating
• Uncontrolled muscle movements

Life Threatening Dangers Involved with OxyContin Use and Addiction

• Confusion
• Seizures
• Low blood pressure
• Slowed heartbeat
• Slowed or troubled breathing
• Death

OxyContin Users and Addicts have also reported severe cases of the following:

Headaches, Drowsiness, Dizziness, Breathing Problems, Swelling, Itching Impulses and more.

OxyContin terms for the Family to Listen For :

‘Doctor Shopping’ or ‘Doc Shopping’

Doc Shopping is a term used be prescription drug addicts that refers to them seeing multiple doctors and creating false stories of pain to obtain the desired drug or drugs of choice.

Here is an example of using the term: “We went doc shopping yesterday and hit large.“

‘Pharming’ or ‘Script Trip’

Addicts normally use this term when referring to taking a mixture of different prescription pills whether or not they are opiates. This can also lead to multiple drug addiction.

Here is an example of using the term: “My last script trip was too much.“

‘Pill Ladies’ or ‘Pill Lady’

This term is used by addicts to refer to a senior citizen who sales their prescription drugs.

Here is an example of using the term: “We need to see the Pill Ladies before we go out tonight.”