The U.S. Department of Health National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recently reported that the recreational use of OxyContin has become a significant problem in recent years. The abuse of this drug affects people of all ages, including adolescents. OxyContin is an opioid, and as such is a powerful and highly addictive pain reliever.
OxyContin is the brand name of a time released formula of oxycodone and it is produced by Purdue Pharma, a privately held pharmaceutical company.
Recreational use often means the drug is injected or inhaled in powder form to intensify its euphoric effect. At the same time, the danger to the user also increases. Not only is this drug powerful, it is highly addictive. Those users who ingest medium to high doses may experience euphoria, nausea, depressed respiration and sleepiness. Higher doses can also cause seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, cardiac arrest and clammy skin. If the dose is high enough it can depress respiration to a fatal level, especially if it is combined with alcohol or another depressant.
Addiction is both physical and psychological and the withdrawal is intense. Symptoms of withdrawal may include cold sweats, insomnia, severe diarrhea, clinical depression, abnormal body temps, immobility, abnormal heart beat and suicidal ideation.
OxyContin is synthesized from the opium derivative thebaine. Thebaine is similar to codeine in some respects but it is more powerful and potentially addictive. These drugs were intended to be taken orally and be time released which dilutes the effect of the drug to a safe level. Crushing the tablets and snorting it is one method an addict will use. They can also mix it with water and inject it. ‘Mainlining’ the crushed drug negates the time release feature while intensifing the high. This also increases the potential health risks associated with this type of use.
If you, or someone you know, are addicted to OxyContin, there is help available. Make the call today, to A Better Tomorrow.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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I was watching Law and Order last night and there was a girl who OD on OxiContin. The policeman picked up the prescription bottle and the camera zoomed in on it. If I hadn't read about it here, I wouldn't have even known what it was. Thanks for the education.
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