OxyContin Addiction

OxyContin is the brand name of a strong painkiller by the name of oxycodone. It is used to relieve pain in certain cases (moderate to severe pains). As with other pills like oxycodone, there is always a possibility for addiction or misuse. Using a drug more than intended or in a way that was not prescribed, is considered abuse. Over time, this can lead to OxyContin addiction.

In certain cases, people will abuse drugs like OxyContin by injecting them or snorting them (after being crushed). This creates a euphoric ‘high’ for the user; the drug has been said to mirror the same effects as heroin. Over time, this abuse can begin to have negative effects on a person’s body, mind, and overall well being. If you notice the signs of possible OxyContin addiction, it may be time to get help. Free by the Sea is ready to help you on your journey towards sobriety.

A Closer Look at OxyContin

OxyContin is considered a semi-synthetic opiate used to relieve pain. It is typically prescribed in cases of physical injury and for cancer patients in some cases. OxyContin comes in a pill or a controlled-release capsule. When used as prescribed, the pill is taken orally before dissolving into the bloodstream (12-hour period).  As with all pills and prescription drugs, you should always take medication as prescribed by a medical professional.

This drug is frequently abused and used recreationally. It has several different street names including drugstore heroin, OC, Oxy, and OxyCotton. Typically, those who abuse OxyContin chew it, crush and snort it, smoke it, or inject it. Consuming OxyContin in this way cancels out the typical time release feature. The brain experiences a surge and creates a severe euphoric state or a ‘high’.

The Physical Effects of Abusing OxyContin

When abused a person will experience a number of physical symptoms and side effects. These can be problematic in the long-term. It’s important to look out for these symptoms in a loved one if you are concerned they may have an OxyContin addiction. Some of the effects of abusing this drug include some of the following:

• Itching
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness/fatigue
• Sleeping troubles
• Slowed breathing
• Tightened pupils
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Anxiety

Along with these effects is the possibility of overdose. An overdose occurs if a person takes too much of a substance. OxyContin is extremely powerful so taking it at unsafe levels can be dangerous. This can result in permanent damage in the brain and potentially death through respiratory failure.

Signs of OxyContin Addiction in a Loved One

OxyContin addiction can change how a person thinks, acts, and behaves. As a powerful painkiller, someone may become consumed by its effects. This can lead them down a road of addiction and behavioral/physical changes. Dependency may also occur – which means a person experiences intense withdrawal symptoms if they stop using OxyContin.

This is what drives someone to continue using and over time, it gets harder and harder to reach out for help. If a loved one or friend is abusing this drug, it’s important to be able to spot these signs. Some of the signs of an OxyContin addiction are:

• “Doctor shopping”
• Failing to meet responsibilities
• Buying OxyContin from a dealer
• Hiding or lying about their drug use
• Continued use even if it is causing them harm
• Poor performance at work, school, and at home
• Wanting to stop their OxyContin but not being able to
• Losing interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy
• Borrowing money from friends or family to get OxyContin
• Using friends or family member’s tablets or prescriptions
• Spending large amounts of time and money trying to acquire more of the drug

If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to get treatment for addiction. The longer you wait, the more you open the door for worsened consequences. OxyContin addiction can be problematic for almost every part of a person’s life. They can become dependent on the drug, which can lead to a stressful and dangerous downward spiral. If you or a loved one has an OxyContin prescription, make sure you are following your doctor’s orders closely and carefully.

Mixing OxyContin with Other Drugs/Alcohol

Another indicator of an OxyContin addiction may be mixing it with alcohol or other drugs. Mixing drugs with each other is extremely dangerous and should not be done under any circumstance (unless advised by a medical professional). Some people use OxyContin with alcohol or other substances to achieve the desired effect. Mixing OxyContin with other drugs can create unpredictable and severe symptoms. These can lead to overdose or even death in some cases.

Getting Treatment Help for an OxyContin Addiction

Sometimes turning to a professional rehab center like Free by the Sea is the only way to ensure a proper and safe recovery. It’s important to be brutally honest with yourself or a loved one about addiction. It is essential to get proper help before it’s too late. OxyContin addiction treatment involves several different treatment options. Every case of addiction is specialized for the person in need, there is no one size fits all. As with all drug addictions like this one, treatment involves a mix of therapy, detoxification, and medication.

Therapy is always used to treat drug and alcohol addiction cases because addiction is much more than a physical ordeal. With this in mind, every person’s addiction is different and we make sure to personalize your journey with you in mind. A few of the more common forms of OxyContin addiction treatment include the following.

Detoxification 

In order to truly begin one’s treatment, all substances or alcohol should be removed from the body. When a person stops taking a certain drug and they have become dependent on it, their body will experience withdrawal symptoms. These can be very painful, uncomfortable, and at times unpredictable. With this in mind, detox helps ease some of the symptoms while you stay focused on recovery. It’s also important to not attempt to detox alone, this can be very unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Let medical professionals help you with guidance and experience.

Residential Treatment

After detox, a person will most likely resort to residential (or inpatient) treatment. This involves staying at a safe and drug-free rehab center for a few weeks to a few months. During your stay, you will have access to medical professionals, amenities, therapists, counselors, and a comfortable place to sleep. Residential treatment is often preferred because you can get support or help at any time. There is around the clock supervision and help when you or a loved one needs it. The length of admission depends on the substance being abused, the intensity of the addiction, and other factors.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment allows someone to attend weekly therapy sessions at the rehab center. Instead of living at a facility for a period of time like inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment allows you to live at home. Outpatient treatment sessions typically happen at night or on weekends to best fit your schedule (work or school). Sessions occur 3-5 every week for most outpatient cases. While there is an extra layer of flexibility, outpatient treatment is recommended for moderate to mild cases of addiction.

Addiction Therapy for OxyContin Addiction

Therapy is an important part of OxyContin addiction treatment. Many people may think of the physical symptoms when they think of addiction but there is a mental side. Addiction can change the way your brain behaves and thinks over time. This is especially true with highly addictive drugs like OxyContin. Therapy is a way to truly understand and come to terms with your addiction. Therapy also helps change the way you think about the world around you and why you became addicted in the first place.

In almost all cases of addiction treatment, a person will use several different kinds of treatment over the course of their recovery. Therapy can be individual (one-on-one) or in a group setting. Some of the most frequently used forms of addiction therapy include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Support groups (12-step programs)
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapy

OxyContin addiction treatment involves a number of these therapy methods in the process. A clear and focused mind can make all the difference when it comes to addiction treatment. Free by the Sea offers access to many trained and passionate therapists and counselors just for you.

Free by the Sea is Ready to Help!

OxyContin addiction can be a stressful and painful situation for everyone involved. With such an intense drug, it’s important to get professional help sooner rather than later. We know it may be overwhelming or stressful to reach out for help but we want to make the process simple and welcoming.

Free by the Sea offers a number of resources, treatment options, and amenities in a wonderful rehab center. Don’t wait to turn your life around, start the journey towards recovery right now. Contact us today to learn about all our treatment options for OxyContin addiction and other drug treatments.