OxyContin addiction can often times be hidden in plain sight, making it difficult to identify. Understanding and recognizing the signs, symptoms, risks and more is the first step in the recovery journey.

Understanding OxyContin Addiction

Learn about OxyContin addiction

OxyContin (also known as “Oxy”) is the brand name for a narcotic medication called oxycodone. This semi-synthetic opioid painkiller is typically prescribed to provide people suffering with moderate to severe pain with relief. When used as directed by a doctor, this medication is a lifesaver for those facing severe debilitating pain, such as people with bone or neurological degeneration or those suffering from end-stage cancer. While many individuals carefully follow the instructions of their doctor, OxyContin has a high risk of abuse and addiction. Additionally, Oxy causes respiratory depression and if too much of the medication is taken, it can result in death.

There are several different methods that those who abuse this drug use in order to get a quicker and more potent high. Oxy is often crushed, and the powder is then snorted or mixed with water and injected intravenously; some choose to simply chew the pills. Abusing OxyContin can lead to severe interpersonal health consequences, and ultimately death, if the addiction is not treated. Many people believe that because Oxy is a medication prescribed by a licensed physician, it is safe and will not bring any harm. This however is completely untrue. Using more of the drug than is directed or using it in a manner in which was not intended can lead to very dire health consequences.

Statistics

OxyContin addiction statistics

The lifetime prevalence rate for opioid addiction in adults in the U.S. is estimated to be 9%. There is little information regarding prevalence rates for oxycodone abuse alone. However, reports from the Department of Justice indicated that over 13 million adults in the U.S. have used oxycodone in ways not intended by their prescribing physician, or have abused, become dependent upon, or addicted to the substance.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for OxyContin addiction

Several causes for oxycodone use disorder have been hypothesized, many of which are based on what is known about the development of substance use and abuse disorders. Some of these causes include:

Genetic: Those who have a family history of substance use disorders are more vulnerable to developing an addiction problem should they begin using a substance such as OxyContin. More specifically, those who have a first-degree relative who suffered from a substance abuse disorder are at increased risk for developing OxyContin abuse or addiction.

Brain Chemistry: All opiates, including oxycodone, significantly affect the pleasure center of the brain. It’s been theorized that individuals who struggle with Oxy abuse may have an inborn deficiency of these pleasure chemicals and self-medicate the symptoms of this deficiency using opioid narcotics.

Environmental: When people are facing the stress of everyday life or are dealing with some form of emotional pain, Oxycodone can decrease or eliminate these symptoms, which can lead to continued use. The continued use is caused by an individual’s unwillingness to re-experience their former distress. After periods of prolonged abuse, tolerance and addiction can occur, leaving the individual unable to function without the drug.

Psychological: Many individuals struggling with undiagnosed or untreated mental illnesses, such as depression or bipolar disorder, may turn to substances such as Oxy to manage the symptoms. While the use of Oxy may initially decrease the symptoms, an addiction can develop very quickly, causing far greater problems for the individual.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of OxyContin addiction

Symptoms can widely vary from person to person based upon circumstances such as length of abuse, dosage level, and level of dependency. The most common symptoms of OxyContin abuse include the following:

Mood symptoms:

Euphoria
Mood swings
Deep depression

Behavioral symptoms:

Impaired decision making
Poor judgment
Memory problems
Confusion
Attaining multiple prescriptions for oxycodone
Visiting multiple doctors for more prescriptions for Oxy
Disorganized thoughts or behaviors
Social withdrawal and the loss of relationships due to drug use
Lying
Stealing prescriptions from friends or relatives
Secretly using the drug
Hiding the drug in several places around the house
Decreased ability to concentrate
Inability to maintain attention

Physical symptoms:

When the drug is not available, experiencing phantom pain in arms and legs
Drowsiness and nodding off
Sedation
Restlessness
Agitation
Tolerance

Psychological symptoms:

Depression
Anxiety
Emotional numbing
Becoming obsessed with the drug and thinking about it all the time
Worsening mental health

Effects

Effects of OxyContin addiction

Abuse and addiction of Oxy can cause a number of detrimental effects. Effects of OxyContin will vary based on the individual, length of abuse, degree of physical dependence, use of other substances, and frequency of abuse.

Effects of chronic Oxy abuse may include the following:

Seizures
Low blood pressure
Heart failure
Impairment of mental and physical abilities
Divorce
Domestic or child abuse
Legal problems
Inability to function in society
Irregular breathing
Depressed respiration
Headaches
Nausea
Financial ruin
Joblessness
Homelessness
Incarceration
Suicidal thoughts and attempts
Death from cardiac arrest or slowed respiration

Withdrawal Effects

Withdrawal effects of OxyContin addiction

The best thing an individual trying to quit using OxyContin can do is to seek the help of a detox program in which they can kick their addiction to OxyContin under the supervision of a trained medical staff. Having specially trained staff available during this unpleasant experience ensures that you will receive around-the-clock care to help ease the unpleasantness of any withdrawal symptoms that may occur.

The most frequent withdrawal symptoms for oxycodone include: